jrmllb

I have been a die hard New Orleans Saints Fan as far back as I can remember. It warmed my heart that they would be returning to New Orleans. The NFL has apparently decided to be a part of the solution to the problems facing the Gulf Coast, for that I applaud them and especially the Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. It gives me one more ounce of hope in my heart of hearts that one day I am going to watch the Black and Gold in the Super Bowl. I was not happy with rumors that Mr. Benson would try to move the team, but I understood that he had a large assest and investment to protect. I think that put in the same situation any sane person would have found the ideaq of moving the team appealing. Thank to all those responsible for coming to this agreement.

"When you see a fork in the road, take it" -Yogi Berra

ScottBalot

Hey Les,

Thanks for giving a big section of fans some attention to the ongoing Saints drama.

Personally, I felt Tom Benson's half-hearted effort at his press conference did nothing to further my hope that the Saints in New Orleans are in his long term plans. In fact, I felt his press conference was more of an opportunity for Benson to take subtle shots at fans and the media that have been critizing him for the past three months. I found his attempt to show empathy and support for New Orleans pathetic and obviously transparent, and did nothing but solidify my feelings that the last thing in the world he wants is to operate in New Orleans ever again.

So what is next, you ask? While fans shouldn't have to put up with sub-par performances and questionable personnel decisions for 39 years, if the fans of the Saints want to continue to have an NFL franchise in the city of New Orleans to complain about, the only thing they can do is buy tickets. The NFL has successfully put the ball in the city's court, and despite the hate or discontent many diehards have for Tom Benson, I'd rather hate him in New Orleans than not care about him in San Antonio. Benson doesn't have to sell, and by all accounts has no plans to sell. To the average fan, or even a corporate fan, it makes more sense to cash in by selling the team, and right off into the sunset. And for a man that cares more about the bottom line than anything else, it can be a bit puzzling since he hasn't cashed his chips in. So with that said, Benson's ego obviously is a factor in everything that is going on. The best way fans can show their dislike for Benson is to show up in droves and prove him wrong that New Orleans cannot support an NFL franchise. I know it's hard, but it has to be done or Benson wins. Never mind that Benson will make money off ticket sales. The man is already rich beyond most wildest dreams. Not showing up isn't going to cause Benson to go bankrupt. Showing up in masses, supporting the franchise financially, and proving him wrong again, however may be enough for him to rethink his position, as well as add more pressure to the NFL to keep this team where it belongs...in New Orleans.

Scott Balot
Mandeville, La

MordorIV

I would like to give a big shout out to CheramieIII for bringing Les to our site. Les thanks for asking for our opinions and welcome aboard.

CheramieIII

Thanks for the props boy. MordorIV is my son and welcome aboard. See I got someone else to come to the site guys.

saintz08

I feel this is a great addition to the site , great job Cheramie III .

Looking forward to some of the thoughts from our latest guest .

Now if we can just get some updated smileys and BnB would get a real avatar we would be top shelf .....:08:

D_it_up

I'm happy the Saints are returning next year. What true Saints fan wouldn't? However, I'm not going to get overly excited about it. Just for the fact that we don't know what is going to happen the next season or the season after that, and so on and so forth. I'm normally an optimist, but in the plight of the Saints this season, I can't help but be a "glass half empty" type of guy. I will honestly not be fully satisfied about the team playing in New Orleans until the team is COMPLETELY out of the control of Tom Benson, and in the hands of someone who wants the franchise here. The state of Louisiana has been kicked in the teeth enough, wouldn't you think?

William Kelley
Ruston, Louisiana

People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.

BlackandBlue

Yes, thanks for the help, CheramieIII.

Love the new av, D.

JOESAM2002

Hey D, I like the new avatar too but you got to get rid of your picture! Thanks Cheramie for inviting Les to join us. And last but not least welcome MORDORIV.

biloxi-indian

Like some here, I remember the first year and Tulane Stadium. I have always been a Saints fan and will go to my grave as a Saints fan. However, today I have little respect for the current owner, the coaching staff, and some of the players.

The current owner has a right to make a profit and has leverage his access to the media and the city of San Antonio to do just that...attempt to make MORE money. Returning to Louisiana is the right thing to do for the Saints, so why did the owner do everything in his power to create an environment whereas his fan base dislikes him as much as they do FEMA during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that ravaged the Gulf Coast? God only knows what goes on in his feeble mind, but my thinkiing is first and foremost it has to be GREED!

One of the major factors that will return the fan base to New Orleans will be for the Saints to create a winning environment on the field in New Orleans. His recent announcement acknowledges the Saints will return to Louisiana and New Orleans. Unfortunately, the owner has no intentions of creating a winning tradition. If he did, he would have already taken corrective action with the pityfull showinig of current personnel in the front office, coaching staff, and the less than acceptable commitment to football by SOME of the SAINTS players.

It is said the only thing constant in life is CHANGE. Well, if true, then CHANGE is required with the Saints. Let's start with the easy ones, replace the head coach, replace the coaching staff, replace the players who have less than required desire to play for the Saints, and yes, last but not least...find a new OWNER who will give the fan base what they deserve...RESPECT and a team to be proud of.

The Saints do not need any new PROJECT players, they need IMPACT players on the field if they are to begin the jouney to building a winning tradition. Unfortunately, the owner has GREED as his top priority, and the current front office and coaching staff have proven over time they could not pick IMPACT palyers if their lives depended on it! I regret the fact that the Saints will have had such a dismal season as to have one of the top 3 draft picks in 2006. For not only will we, as Saints fans, have lived through another losing season, but we have no hope that the high draft choice the Saints will receive next year be an IMPACT player that is needed.

In my humble opinion, the Saints should not be given anything by the NFL, Louisiana, and/or their fan base. They should earn IT. Maybe then the Saints will once again learn what is important...FAN RESPECT.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, over, and over again...and expecting a different outcome!

MordorIV

Thanks for the welcome Joe. It will take me sometime to get into the flow of the board. My dad is a rabid fan and has been for as long as I can remember, kinda turned me into one. I lived in New Orleans breifly after I was born and hope to make it back someday soon. The board looks great and looking forward to a long and lasting relationship with all of you.