McCombs can't keep his cake hole shut

saintz08 · 12-29-2005, 01:26 PM

McCombs likes city's chances to gain owners' Saints votes

Former Minnesota Vikings owner B.J. "Red" McCombs predicted Wednesday that Tom Benson's fellow NFL owners would recommend to league commissioner Paul Tagliabue that the New Orleans Saints relocate permanently to San Antonio.

"It's just common sense," McCombs said. "All of these owners are going to be facing the same thing someday, one way or another, with their own franchises. They will be facing transfer, possible relocation, a number of these same issues Benson faces, and they will be reluctant to keep a guy from doing what he wants to do with his franchise.

"(San Antonio) is in a very good position. The situation is complicated, but the bottom line is Benson wants to come here. That's the key."

McCombs, who has maintained relationships with several owners since selling the Vikings in the offseason, said the Saints represent the city's best chance to gain an NFL franchise and praised city leaders for pursuing them.

"I don't have any doubt now it will come to pass," McCombs said when asked if he thought the Saints would stay. "The mayor (Phil Hardberger) is on board to make something happen, and (Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce chairman) John Montford and (former San Antonio mayor) Henry Cisneros and other people that know how to make things happen are serious about it."

Tagliabue will meet with Benson and the Saints' players Friday in San Antonio, a league spokesman said. No meetings are planned with city leaders, including Hardberger, who recently suggested that Benson go to court to keep Tagliabue from returning the Saints to Louisiana.

McCombs, who backed Hardberger in the general election for mayor in May and in a two-man runoff in June, said a lawsuit wouldn't be necessary because Benson's fellow owners don't want the league telling them where they could play if a natural or manmade disaster forced their teams to relocate.

The owners also understand the Saints have a better chance to generate revenue in San Antonio than they would in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, La., said McCombs, the Vikings' owner for seven seasons.

"I can understand the mayor saying that because of his frustration. ... but I don't think Benson will have any need for all of that," McCombs said of the Saints considering legal action.

Tagliabue repeatedly has said he wants the Saints to return to Louisiana and join the league in efforts to help the Gulf South recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. San Antonio, Tagliabue has said, is a small market and not a candidate for relocation or expansion.

For more :

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s....17a0d226.html

12-29-2005, 01:26 PM	#1
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	McCombs can't keep his cake hole shut McCombs likes city's chances to gain owners' Saints votes Former Minnesota Vikings owner B.J. "Red" McCombs predicted Wednesday that Tom Benson's fellow NFL owners would recommend to league commissioner Paul Tagliabue that the New Orleans Saints relocate permanently to San Antonio. "It's just common sense," McCombs said. "All of these owners are going to be facing the same thing someday, one way or another, with their own franchises. They will be facing transfer, possible relocation, a number of these same issues Benson faces, and they will be reluctant to keep a guy from doing what he wants to do with his franchise. "(San Antonio) is in a very good position. The situation is complicated, but the bottom line is Benson wants to come here. That's the key." McCombs, who has maintained relationships with several owners since selling the Vikings in the offseason, said the Saints represent the city's best chance to gain an NFL franchise and praised city leaders for pursuing them. "I don't have any doubt now it will come to pass," McCombs said when asked if he thought the Saints would stay. "The mayor (Phil Hardberger) is on board to make something happen, and (Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce chairman) John Montford and (former San Antonio mayor) Henry Cisneros and other people that know how to make things happen are serious about it." Tagliabue will meet with Benson and the Saints' players Friday in San Antonio, a league spokesman said. No meetings are planned with city leaders, including Hardberger, who recently suggested that Benson go to court to keep Tagliabue from returning the Saints to Louisiana. McCombs, who backed Hardberger in the general election for mayor in May and in a two-man runoff in June, said a lawsuit wouldn't be necessary because Benson's fellow owners don't want the league telling them where they could play if a natural or manmade disaster forced their teams to relocate. The owners also understand the Saints have a better chance to generate revenue in San Antonio than they would in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, La., said McCombs, the Vikings' owner for seven seasons. "I can understand the mayor saying that because of his frustration. ... but I don't think Benson will have any need for all of that," McCombs said of the Saints considering legal action. Tagliabue repeatedly has said he wants the Saints to return to Louisiana and join the league in efforts to help the Gulf South recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. San Antonio, Tagliabue has said, is a small market and not a candidate for relocation or expansion. For more : http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s....17a0d226.html
saintz08 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,020	\"Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn\'t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed.\" - George S. Patton On another note, I\'ll take a bite of that crow 08. - Saintfan Brooks is a moron!! - Halo