I SAY ... "HIT THE ROAD TOM BENSON!"

Tom Benson ...

Also known down here in NOLA as "The Old Curmudgeon" ...

Is the owner of the New Orleans Saints NFL Football team.

Before I get into the main points of this blog, let me just recap some Saints history.

The Saints joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1967 - almost 40 years ago. The best season they have ever had, I believe, was a 9 win / 7 loss season that magically occured way back in 1989 - which still wasn't good enough to get 'em into the playoffs. THE SAINTS ... are the undisputed most consistent losers in the entire history of football. NFL fans disagree on a lot of things - but not on this point. The Saints consistency in losing is absolutely STUNNING. Any other team in their shoes would have at least gotten lucky and made an appearance in the playoffs at least once in 40 years - not the Saints though.

In spite of that - the people of New Orleans are the most rabid and dedicated fans of any team in the NFL. They LOVE the Saints. They hate that they lose - but love the "Black and Gold". They've been sustained by the memory of Saints hero's like Archie Manning (who is revered almost as a "God" here in NOLA). Other heros include quarterback Bobby Hebert - who "almost" got 'em to the playoffs. And let's not forget Tom Dempsey who, according to NOLA legend - was born with half a foot and yet still made history in November, 1970 when he kicked that historic 63-yard field goal.

Saints fans are so rabid for the Saints that I fear if the Saints were ever to win a Superbowl - it would result in carnage on the streets of NOLA that would cause KATRINA to look pale in comparison. Folks, I'm not kidding on this point. I literally would be caught nowhere within the city if the Saints went to the Superbowl - win or lose - there would be chaos in the streets.

In 1975, with nothing but losing seasons under their belt, the city of New Orleans built the biggest stadium in NFL history for the Saints. At the time, it was hailed as a virtual wonder of the world - the Superdome. A magnificent facility for the NFL's worst team.

Yes, the city of NOLA loves their Saints.

But this sentiment isn't echoed by Tom Benson, "the old curmudgeon" owner of the Saints. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina - Tom Benson now wants to cut and run from the city and the people who put millions of dollars into his pocket. Tom Benson now wants to move to San Antonio.

My opinion?

I say -- "Get the hell out of here you old curmudgeon!!"

First, I'm not an NFL fan - and I'm amazed at how cities kow-tow and lick the boots of these teams. In 1975, New Orleans built the Superdome for the Saints - and even after a quarter century of more losing seasons, Tom Benson was demanding (even before Katrina) that the city build him an even bigger and better facility! Who else would have the gall to make this kind of demand except an NFL owner? Even more ironic is the fact that it came from the leagues most perfectly consistent LOSING owner. I have refused to watch NFL Football since Johnny Unitas retired. Johnny was a guy who played for the love of the sport - a genuine hero who took his responsibilities as a role model seriously - and he did all that for a pittance compared to what the players today rake in. The players these days are hopped-up on steriods and coke - are routinely jailed for illegal, frequently violent acts and they have no remorse or apologies for their actions - they just keep demanding more money. Not from me boys.

Second, when you've made millions bleeding a city - it's an act of cowardice to abandon that city in it's hour of need. Tom Benson has no problem with this though - to him, the most important thing is the bottom line (read $$). He doesn't care how he'll look to the world for throwing his city to the wolves. He just cares about money. And why? The guy is a multi-millionare who is like 100 years old. He doesn't have many years left. You'd think at this point he'd be trying to build up some good Karma for his meeting with his maker - which is going to be soon. But no, the old curmudgeon only cares about putting more money in his already bloated wallet. It's like he thinks he can take it with him or something.

Tom, if you want my vote - I say get the hell out of here. You're no better than me - or any of the poor folks who lost their homes in the Lower Ninth Ward (and the Supreme Being is going to remind you of this fact very soon when you meet him). This city has done nothing but put it's blood into your team - and you've never paid nary a drop of it back. Good riddance to you! Take your losing team to San Antonio - bilk them for awhile. Every city wants an NFL Football Team - but what they don't realize (but soon will) is that they'll be getting a losing team that has been the mockery of the NFL since the day it joined the league. Only the city of New Orleans could have put up with that and still loved you. San Antonio won't.

Leave the Fleur De Leis here in NOLA though - that belongs to us. Call yourself the "San Antonio Steers" - that's appropriate considering the half decade of impotence you and your team have demonstrated. Tom, really wish all the best - seriously, I do. But don't expect NOLA to put up with your crap anymore...

GO WEST OLD MAN!