Saints: A kinder, gentler Mr. Benson

Written by Ken Trahan, President--NewOrleans.Com/Sports | Saturday, 08 August 2009 16:11 | Saints News

Tom Benson helped keep the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans by purchasing the team from John Mecom in 1985. Jacksonville was a possible location for the franchise under the Mecom ownership. There was a public flirtation before a New Orleans native stepped up and preserved the team in his hometown.

Often misunderstood and sometimes considered gruff by those dealing with him, Mr. Benson has done many charitable things during his tenure owning the team. Many have gone unnoticed. Much of that time, Benson has taken a stand-off posture with the media, allowing his employees to speak about the team.

Following the tumultuous events of 2005 and the rumors and banter about the Saints possibly relocating to San Antonio, Benson was perceived as a potential traitor, of sorts. By the following year, the Saints were back in town and Benson and his staff had committed to the city of New Orleans again.

By 2009, the commitment to New Orleans and Louisiana became focused with a long-term lease signed with the state, the development of downtown property, improvements to the Superdome and a renewed fervor for New Orleans. The commitment resulted in the Super Bowl returning to New Orleans in February of 2013. The last Super Bowl in New Orleans was in 2002.

Today at training camp, Mr. Benson hosted the primary media covering the team for lunch. There is no great truism than most members of the media taking on the challenge of a lavish, free food spread in rabid fashion. Benson had hosted the media for dinner when the Saints trained in Lacrosse back in the late 1990's. He renewed the tradition today.

While scoffers may perceive the outreach as an effort to secure kinder, gentler comments from the media, the lunch actually revealed a kinder, gentler Tom Benson. Comfortable in his position, he addressed the gathered media. He was relaxed. He was jovial. He was enjoyable to listen to. Confident of a good season for his New Orleans Saints, Benson is in a good mood.

For those who have covered the Saints and been around them for many years now, seeing the owner of the New Orleans Saints in this behavioral mode was a pleasure to observe. Regardless of what is now under the bridge, Benson is now willing to cross a bridge which was previously off limits to many--a relationship with people in the media industry. There are many good folks in the press. Benson is seeking to press the right buttons. Perhaps it will gain a mulligan in tough times. More importantly, it will garner respect from those involved in covering the team.

The meal wasn't necessary, but it was appreciated. More importantly, Benson's candor and communication was most appreciated.

Comments (4)

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written by william sadler, October 18, 2009

how many of the multi millionaire football players, basketball players have given any of their own money to help the poor people in New Orleans,,, cant these multi millionaires give something back ( a phrase i despise)or do they still think they are oppresed in america

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written by mmb, August 10, 2009

There is no doubt that if Tom Benson had his way after Katrina he would have been gone in a New York minute. You're exactly right the only reason he didn't is because of Tagliabue. That would have been a thoughtless greedy move. Benson didn't think it through and the Commish did. The only reason this guy is reaching out is because he got what he wanted. Yes he did save the Saints and keep them in N.O., but like Mecom. He was as good as gone. How much money is enough?

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written by Douglas, August 09, 2009

Following the tumultuous events of 2005 and the rumors and banter about the Saints possibly relocating to San Antonio, Benson was perceived as a potential trader, of sorts. By the following year, the Saints were back in town and Benson and his staff had committed to the city of New Orleans again.
Sounds like smoke being blown. I could be mistaken, but Benson was lobbying for the moving of the team after Katrina. The commish shut that down quick by forming an 8 owner team to investigate how the NFL could help keep the Saints in New Orleans. If Benson wanted to move he needed 24 of 32 votes by owners to do it. Eight were already against it (headed by Jerry Jones), Benson need 100% of the rest to win, and he knew he lost. Saying the National Guard ruined the practice facility, but when it was inspected it proved to be O.K. Putting Rita in the limelight, and letting his staff make decisions was the smartest thing he did. They proved to him that he can make plenty of money in New Orleans, like selling out season tickets. Look, he has had a change of heart, and I really do believe he is in it to win it.
Just don't blow smoke about it, the past may be ugly, but the present, and future is bright. I would shake his hand and buy him a beer, for letting Loomis, Payton, and Williams run the team and show Rita the right way. I hope tom has more "Benson Boogies" in the dome for all the who dats.

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written by George, August 09, 2009

Please win the SuperBowl this year!

Hope Tom is sincere. Still a bit mad at the firing of Arnie Fielkow. Does anyone know if they're cordial these days being that he will most likely run for Mayor?

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