Just when you thought it was all over..... http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/localcolleges/stories/MYSA041807.01C.FBCuiw.benson.390d6d3.html " Asked if the agreement diminishes San Antonio's chances of joining the NFL, Benson said, "No, I always said I thought San Antonio would be a great NFL city ... right now, we have four more years on a lease in Louisiana, and we all know about the tragedies there. We can't get involved in thinking about moving. We have to help that city and state restore itself, and then we'll see how things play out. "But San Antonio, in my opinion, is ready for an NFL club whether it's the Saints or an expansion club. They have my support. If it's not mine, I would certainly support someone else coming here." "
Why on earth would you think it was over? Benson was forced to stay in New Orleans. He doesn't have a new deal with the state. It will never be over with Benson ... until he dies.
Benson is not going anywhere in his lifetime, IMO. The state gives him more than any other state and he mentions the possibility of moving to give him the upper hand in future contract negotiations. I read somewhere that the Saints are the only team in the NFL that is debt-free. This was before Katrina but the state and the NFL funded most or all of the renovations. The state pays for the stadium and they would have to build a new one for the Saints if the time comes. No other franchise gets this kind of treatment. Knowing how stingy he is with his money, it doesnt make sense for him to leave.
On the flip side, his statement is true......San Antonio does need a team. It's the 7th largest city in the country. I just hope it isn't the saints.
San Antonio is only the 7th largest city if you limit the population to the city limits... example SA has 1.2 million people in the city limits, but metro SA is only 1.3 million people. Atlanta has 500K people in the city itself, but 4 million in the metro area. When you include the suburban population SA is somewhere in the 30s. Since those a**holes tried to steal our team after Katrina and they can kiss my a**. I hope they never get a NFL team.
