saintz08

While it's true that Tom Benson hasn't religiously lived up to the nickname of the franchise under his stewardship, the Saints owner has remained steadfastly loyal to New Orleans, even when city and state politicians weren't especially fair to him. But one has to wonder, in the wake of a Thursday announcement that the state is $10 million shy on a $15 million payment due the franchise on July 1, how much longer Benson can maintain his loyalty to the area. The payment is part of a $186 million deal struck in 2001 to keep the Saints in Louisiana, but state officials say the shortfall is the result of not meeting anticipated tax levels, in part because of a drop in tourism following the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, naming rights to the Louisiana Superdome, projected to be worth $3 million annually, have not been sold. Under the agreement, the state paid the Saints $12.5 million in 2003 but, even then, there was a $3 million shortage that had to be made up by SMG, the private company that managed the Superdome. The company will not, officials said, help compensate for this year's shortage. Craig Gannuch, a budget analyst for the state, acknowledged the only options are to default on the payment or to renegotiate the deal. League sources indicated the Saints, weary of dealing with the state, is unlikely to rework the contract. If the state defaults, it opens up all sorts of possibilities, not the least of which is potential relocation of the franchise. The Los Angeles market remains unfilled, of course, and the Saints have long been rumored as a candidate to move there. No one is suggesting, at least not yet, that Benson and point man Arnold Fielkow have local moving van companies on speed dial. But the events of this week, which didn't get much media play outside Louisiana, certainly bear watching.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1801619