re: Reactions to the Passing of Tom Benson

quote:

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After Katrina he basically held the state hostage over the Superdome or he was moving the team to San Antonio

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Admitted in full.

If you were a prudent businessman with extensive roots in San Antonio in Benson’s situation in September 2005, you’d have done the same thing.

No one knew for months after Katrina if the population of New Orleans was going to return to a point that would be able to economically sustain an NFL franchise.

There was no precedent for Katrina (and Rita’s) impact on populations and the economic fallout from the storms.

The value of the Saints franchise in 2005 was a majority percentage of Benson’s wealth, he had to look to protect his investment.

As a Saints fan since 1970, it hurt me emotionally but logically I understood his rationale.

I bought two season tickets the first day they went on sale in 2006 to, in a tiny way, support Benson as he was being forced to keep the team in NOLA by the league.m

I still have them.

Obviously, over the past decade-plus with a Season Ticket waiting list, the Saints don’t need my miniscule “help”, but in ‘06 the issue was still in doubt.

RIP Mr Benson, in my humble opinion, he did as good as he could have been expected to do.