Jonathan Vilma's Lawsuit Proves There's a Sucker Born Every Minute

Source: Bleacher Report

Bounties...Concussions...Suicides...Suspensions...Investigations...Charges...Counter charges...Lawsuits...Threats...Allegations...Dogs and cats living together.

...Mass hysteria.

You are a fan. No, scratch that. You are a rabid, loyal, frothing-at-the mouth faithful follower of the National Football League. And you have spent the last several weeks bottling up a myriad of emotions.

Exasperation...Indignation...Anger...Betrayal. They're all at the forefront, pointed in the direction of those who are undoubtedly seeking to destroy what is more than a mere game, rather an integral part of existence itself.

For some unfathomable reason, those charged with the care and growth of the NFL are seemingly on a destructive path to changing this passion into something only Momma’s boys and politically correct, non-violent, thumb-suckers would enjoy.

In light of the lawsuit drama currently unfolding between New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, you are steadfast in certain conclusions and convictions.

Beginning with the undeniable fact that Roger Goodell must be a blithering idiot. After all, is it not obvious, what with all the wildly questionable and undoubtedly mentally unstable decisions he’s made recently?

Goodell is at the forefront of the single biggest individual and collective manhunt in professional sports history. Based solely and obviously on flawed third- and fourth-party hearsay, he has laid waste to the careers of several notable veteran players and coaches.

We know this all to be true because, as several of the players themselves have told us, Goodell and the NFL don’t have nearly enough evidence to press their punishments for the New Orleans Saints bounty system. All they’re relying on is rumor, rumbles, disgruntled coaches, liars, cheats, gypsies, tramps and thieves.

First, there’s this “Bountygate” nonsense. Everyone knows NFL players have been placing cash on the heads of opponents for years. In the 50s and 60s, it might have been what kept most of the players from having to cash in food stamps during the offseason. Goodell knows it, and he only got involved as a way to cover his assets, keep the PC-cautious sponsors happy and insure neither he nor any of the ownership cabal lose a single fat paycheck.

That audio tape purportedly featuring Gregg Williams demanding the dismemberment of opposing players? Taken completely out of context and in every stretch by those who have never played the game, or at the very least, weren’t very good at it. That was nothing more than motivation designed to stoke the Saints to a victory. It happens before every game and at every level of sports.

As for the so-called “case” against Vilma, where is all this evidence he was the leader of that bounty program in the Saints locker room? Why hasn’t the NFL turned over this mysteriously missing evidence to the players union? The answers are simple. The evidence is flimsy, at best, and Goodell knows the only way for this witch hunt to succeed is to keep those accused swinging in the wind.

All of the video and audio evidence released thus far is either not germane to the case, is taken out of context or could have (and likely was) edited to make it seem certain people were guilty. Every investigation, story and comment from any member of the media has no merit because they’ve all been bought off by the NFL.

OK. Step back for a moment. Sit down. Close your eyes. Breathe.

Feel better? You should. After all, there's nothing more cathartic than a good verbal and mental venting.

Even if it does no substantive good because it’s not even close to reality.

While there is no doubt Jonathan Vilma is an excellent football player, the filing of a lawsuit against Goodell and the NFL reveals his prowess, and his sense of smarts leaves much to be desired. In other words, Vilma is the kind of person a legal hack seeking to make a name for himself fantasizes about walking into the office:

The client that can be manipulated into believing they have an actual case. Who can not only win, but at the end of the day, be seen as a shining example of one who can slay the mighty corporate overlord and become a beacon of hope to fellow downtrodden and exploited workers.

You’re a solid fan of the NFL, maybe the New Orleans Saints, and perhaps, even Vilma. But seriously, you’re not falling for this.

Are you?

Roger Goodell leads the NFL—one of the most powerful sports conglomerations on the third rock from the sun. As such, they have the financial wherewithal to hire the best investigators to look into the tiniest nook and cranny of every life.

Their army of attorneys are the finest money, and a few well-placed Super Bowl tickets, can buy. These are the kind of lawyers that powerful men and women listen to without pause. The type of barristers insuring that a client rarely, if ever, would go public with punishment unless they knew every legal phrase and syllable had been accounted for and could be proved with rock-hard evidence.

Because they are the people in charge of the greatest sports cash-printing machine America has ever known. And there's absolutely no reason to conceive they would throw a wrench into those gears out of something as inane as spite or ego.

As in most cases such as these, evidence always seems to be the last thing considered. All the wailing and gnashing of teeth defending the innocence of those busted conveniently overlook the statements of U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White, who has seen the NFL’s case and noted there were “multiple independent first-hand accounts and corroborating data” to support the allegations.

Players like Vilma will, of course, roar about and profess their innocence. They have to. It’s a given in a society where the guilty would never have gone down that path unless taken there by another, (otherwise known as the “Billy MADE me do it” defense), see nothing wrong with what they did because it’s just part of doing business, (the classic “Everybody ELSE is doing it” defense) or there's no way someone with any measure of fame would ever consider doing something so underhanded and morally wrong, (forever known as either the OJ Simpson or Bernie Madoff defense, take your pick).

It’s not as if “Bountygate” happened overnight or Gregg Williams was a one-time shot or Sean Payton only heard about something going on in the locker room from the janitor or Vilma and plenty of other players were caught completely by surprise when someone found out about their grotesque side bets.

It may be hard to see thru the haze and smoke of fantasy leagues, point spreads and foam “No. 1” fingers, but Goodell is doing exactly what a commissioner should—hold a hard line on rules—exact a heavy punishment toll on players, coaches, GM's, and perhaps, even owners who threaten that popularity and sully the reputation of their on-the-field peers who can play within the rules without excuses and cleaning up the messes left lying under numerous rugs by predecessors.

If his evidence then is as solid as he believes it is, then Roger Goodell has a responsibility to the game, the players, the coaches, and most importantly, the fans to stay resolute in meting out harsh and definitive punishment.

Those found guilty then have a similar responsibility to all of the above to take their punishment, serve their sentence, and then, take whatever steps afforded them to apologize and bring a sense of integrity back to themselves and their peers.

Do the crime, do the time.

Because falling back on “the dog ate my homework” just won’t cut it anymore.

Ed Berliner's daily commentary on the NFL can be read at "Sports Media Masters" (http://sportsmediamasters.com), the only place on the web to get complete local and national coverage of the NFL from local beat reporters to sports radio stations in every major market.

Read more New Orleans Saints news on BleacherReport.com

New Orleans Saints' Best and Worst Moves of the 2012 NFL Offseason

Source: Bleacher Report

When the clock struck midnight on the New Orleans Saints' 2011 football season, most fans were prepared to enter a slightly new era of Saints football. A bloated salary cap seemed to indicate that re-signing many key veterans would be nearly impossible. 

It seemed almost automatic that Carl Nicks and Marques Colston would be gone from the team. Only a Drew Brees long-term contract extension seemed certain. 

It's funny, though, how different reality can be from perception sometimes. As we pan the horizon of the 2012 NFL offseason, we are able to see a picture illuminated with allegations, suspensions and controversy. 

But we also see that in many senses the 2012 version of the New Orleans Saints is not as diluted and flat-out different as we expected it to be. Gone is Carl Nicks to division rival Tampa Bay. But the Saints were able to replace him with a player, Ben Grubbs, of equal talent.

In fact, Grubbs figures to aid the Saints in creating a more physical offensive line. The Saints' offensive identity may change slightly due to the addition of the Pro Bowl guard from Auburn. If it does indeed change it is only for the better. A more physical attack can only make the Saints a better football team this year and in the future. 

Also gone are what many experts considered tier-two free agents receiver Robert Meachem and cornerback Tracy Porter. Both played key roles in the Saints' Super Bowl run in 2009. But both were deemed expendable by the club in light of the salary cap crunch the team faced. 

And both figure to be replaced by younger players this season. Adrian Arrington and Nick Toon will duel for the fourth receiver spot vacated by Meachem, while Patrick Robinson and Johnny Patrick will fill in for Porter. 

The mentality is a bit of a delineation from the past for this Saints organization. Previously, the team did all it could to hold onto any veteran that had helped pave the way to organizational success. 

That model, of course, has its benefits—namely fans prefer to continue rooting for the same players, and continuity on a team often helps with team chemistry and thus performance.

But the approach has its drawbacks as well. When a team commits to always re-signing its own players, it can lead to an extension of what communication scholars would call Groupthink Theory, whereby the team overvalues a player and/or never tries to grow in areas it must. This, of course, assumes that a player, once he has gained experience in the league, will not improve or add to his game anymore than slight improvements in areas he’s already mastered.

The Patriots, Colts, Packers and Steelers (interestingly enough, the most successful organizations of the past decade-plus) all employ the opposite of this model, whereby veterans are replaced by younger, cheaper players, and the “next man up” motto is not only spoken but also enlivened throughout the organization.

With that in mind, the New Orleans Saints’ offseason has been mostly a positive one, at least in terms of the restructuring of the roster. Players who were deemed too pricey for their contributions were allowed to walk, while players of equal or greater value were brought in to replace them, or younger, less proven players were awarded the opportunity to now compete for the open vacancies.

That is what the 2012 Saints’ offseason roster restructure most embodies. And that is how the team should continue to identify itself in the future when it comes to roster restructuring. That said, the Saints’ offseason moves haven’t been without controversy or mistake. Here are a few of such mistakes.

 

Not Re-Signing Drew Brees Long-Term, Yet

That Mickey Loomis, Tom Benson and whoever else may be involved in the contract talks between the Saints and Drew Brees’ agent Tom Condon have not given in to Brees’ demands is beyond hard to understand. Brees is the most important (to me, the most valuable) player in the NFL to his team. If that is true, should he not be paid the most? I think so.

But the Saints’ inability to get a deal done with Brees before the franchise tag deadline passed in early March was not a problem so much of this offseason. As Drew Brees recently made light of, most franchise quarterbacks are extended at least a year or two out prior to the end of their contracts. In other words, the Saints should have had a long-term deal done two years ago.

The only silver lining in all of this is that the Saints maintain Brees’ rights, and though frustrated, Brees is still resolute in his desire to remain a New Orleans Saint and to retire in black and gold. A deal will likely get done at some point this summer prior to training camp.

 

Brodrick Bunkley

Yes, new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has worked with the veteran defensive tackle. The result is that Spags will likely use him better than any other coach could. But Brodrick Bunkley was one of the most overrated free agents in the 2012 free agent class.

For five years and $25 million, the Saints could have gotten a better player. Or they could have dispersed those funds and used much of the cap space to aid in re-signing their franchise quarterback.

 

Letting Tracy Porter Go

While I praised the Saints' organization for moving on and avoiding groupthink in allowing some of their own free agents to leave, one player they could not afford to do that with was Tracy Porter.

Not only was Porter a fan favorite for obvious reasons, but he also is and was one of the most consistent corners in all of football. He rarely, if ever, gets beat deep, possesses great ball skills and regularly steps his game up when the team needs him the most.

For one year, the Saints could have afforded to pay him the same salary the Denver Broncos will in 2012. Considering Patrick Robinson is the alternative with Johnny Patrick taking over the nickel spot, one year and around $5 million would have been more than worth it to retain Porter’s services.

 

The Entire 2012 NFL Draft 

Enough said. (See Hicks, Akiem; White, Corey; Tiller, Andrew; and Jones, Marcel.)

 

With all that said, overall I liked the direction the Saints went this offseason. Here were the best moves the team made in the 2012 offseason.

 

Signing Curtis Lofton from Division Rival Atlanta Falcons

As I’ve written several times already this offseason, no player will play such an integral role with his new franchise as new Saint Curtis Lofton. Though originally signed to start outside, Lofton will jump into the middle of the defense and likely be the defensive quarterback—assuming that role from the suspended Jonathan Vilma.

The Saints could have doubled what they’re paying Lofton and I wouldn’t have blinked. Lofton’s importance to the Saints can be measured by more than his role on the Saints' defense (as incredibly important as that is). It is also of paramount importance that the Falcons are losing their best defensive player.

Granted, the Falcons' defense wasn’t exactly on the same level of the ’99 Ravens or ’85 Bears. But they were  good enough to make up for a somewhat inconsistent offense. And the defense often held the Saints down, at least within the confines of the Georgia Dome. Lofton was the main reason for that.

 

Signing Free Agent Guard Ben Grubbs for Two-Thirds the Cost of Carl Nicks

When the New Orleans Saints decided Carl Nicks would not return in 2012 and beyond, they put themselves on the hook to replace one of the best guards in football (if not the best). Yet shortly after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they had signed Nicks, the Saints made a splash in taking the second-best guard off the market.

Grubbs was a Pro Bowler who benefited from a “next man up” approach in Baltimore. Though he is relatively inexperienced at the left guard spot, he has been a productive player almost as long as he’s been in the league.

Grubbs instantly upgrades the offensive line in terms of its toughness and run-blocking ability. Most importantly, the Saints will not lose anything production-wise and they reduce their cost by almost $20 million. This was absolutely the best move the Saints made this offseason on the offensive side of the ball.

 

Wide Receiver Corps

Though at the time I proposed the Saints should cut their losses and re-sign Robert Meachem and let Marques Colston go, hindsight is more kind to the Saints. Robert Meachem proved to be in much greater demand than many experts supposed.

His four-year deal with the San Diego Chargers was greater than anything the Saints could have even imagined paying the young veteran.

More than that, though, the Saints were wise in bringing back Marques Colston. The former Hofstra Pride tight end continues to be Drew Brees’ favorite target in just about every critical situation. Whether it’s going over the middle, catching fades in the end zone or short passes in third-down situations, Colston is the guy for the Saints’ offense.

And the Saints were wise to add Nick Toon in the fourth round to compete for the fourth receiver spot with Adrian Arrington. One of those two will play and contribute two or three receptions and fifty or so yards per game.

The best part is the Saints acquired three players to play the role of two and did so at about the same cost. Receiver wasn’t necessarily a position for which the Saints needed depth, but they now have it anyway.

 

More could be said about the Saints’ offseason. But these particular moves are the ones that stood out. These are the best and the worst. Care to disagree?

 

Follow @BRwillosgood

Read more New Orleans Saints news on BleacherReport.com

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson setting chess pieces in motion with recent promotions

Source: Who Dat Dish by Gene Higginbotham

Dec 18, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans Saints owners Gayle Benson (left), Tom Benson (center) and Rita Benson-LeBlanc (right) walk off the field after meeting with Minnesota Vikings owners prior to the game at the Metrodome. The Saints win 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has set the stage for the future of not only the franchise but all of his business endeavors that he has including the newly purchased New Orleans Hornets NBA basketball team. … [visit site to read more]

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson setting chess pieces in motion with recent promotions - Who Dat Dish - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Saints announce front-office promotion (Pro Football Weekly)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Saints announced Sunday the restructuring of several top management positions within the organization, including the promotion of Dennis Lauscha to team president.

Fleur-de-Links: Sunday, May 20

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

Twitter

New Orleans Saints ‏Clearly ready for gameday! RT @bright_julie how about this fan http://pic.twitter.com/YTjPjkwa

cameron jordan ‏Back to my apt today,

Saints shift executive staff (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Rita Benson LeBlanc will become vice chairman of the board of the New Orleans Saints and Dennis Lauscha will take over as president of the team.

Saints restructure upper management

Source: NFC South Blog

The New Orleans Saints officially announced a series of re-structuring moves at the top positions in their organization Sunday afternoon. Most significantly, Dennis Lauscha, who previously was executive vice president/chief financial officer, has been promoted to team president. Rita Benson LeBlanc, who is the granddaughter of owner Tom Benson and previously held the titles of owner and executive vice president, now becomes the vice chairman of the board.

Can Robert Meachem Be the No. 1 Receiver for the San Diego Chargers in 2012? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are the type of big, physical players NFL fans think of when anyone brings up the term 'No. 1 receiver'.

NFP's Sunday Blitz: Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson fight to overcome size concerns (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Saints Revamp Front Office Following Buying of the NBA’s Hornets

Source: Saints Gab by Matt Loede

Saints owner Tom Benson has restructured his front office with his recent acquisition of the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Dennis Lauscha has been promoted to the newly created position of Saints president. Lauscha, 43, will take a more extensive role within the Saints organization, after previously serving as an executive vice president and chief financial officer. He is expected to have a similar role with the Hornets.

Saints’ executive vice president and General Manager Mickey Loomis will likely oversee basketball operations, with the Hornets’ general manager reporting to him.

Benson, who previously held the title of Saints owner and president, will serve as owner and chairman of the board. His granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc, who has served as owner and executive vice president of the Saints since 2005, will now serve as vice-chairwoman of the board.

“We’ve got a good team going, we really do,” said Benson, who was surrounded as usual by his core management team of LeBlanc, Lauscha and Loomis as he sat down in his office Friday to discuss the new roles.

Lauscha and Loomis are also members of the Saints’ board of directors.

When Saints owner Tom Benson bought the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets, we joked that Saints coach Sean...

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

When Saints owner Tom Benson bought the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets, we joked that Saints coach Sean Payton could spend his one-year suspension working for the team.

As it turns out, Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis will spend his half-year suspension doing just that.

Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Loomis "likely" will oversee basketball operations for the Hornets.

Report: Loomis will oversee basketball operations of New Orleans Hornets | ProFootballTalk

Mike F. makes a big leap with what he takes away from this story.

Benson promotes Lauscha to Saints president

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has kept busy this offseason. His most recent move was a front office reshuffling in which Dennis Lauscha was named the team's president.

Daniel happy to serve as Brees' placeholder for Saints

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com Wire Reports

With Drew Brees slated to miss the start of the New Orleans Saints' organized team activities on Tuesday as part of his ongoing contract negotiations with the team, Chase Daniel is set to take over as the No. 1 quarterback in drills.

New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit Q&A: Part 2

Source: Nola.com by James Varney, The Times-Picayune

Here is a Q&A of a conversation I had last week with Gabe Feldman about Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell filed in New Orleans. Feldman, a former Washington litigator and recognized...

New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma's lawsuit Q&A: Part 1

Source: Nola.com by James Varney, The Times-Picayune

Here is a transcript of a brief Q&A I had last week with Peter Ginsberg, the New York lead attorney in Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's federal libel and slander lawsuit filed in New Orleans against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Some of Ginsberg's...

Drew Brees and Saints Still Can't Agree: Is Someone Wrong? Someone Right?

Source: Bleacher Report

The 2011 season was a record breaking year for the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees. 2012 sees him without a contract. It doesn’t seem like those two should go together, does it?

On his way to winning the 2011 Offensive Player of the Year award, Brees threw for 5476 passing yards, breaking a 27-year-old record. He then broke three other records that he had previously held. His 71.6% completion percentage broke the previous best of 70.6% and he set new records by passing for at least 300 yards in seven straight games and 13 games total during the season.

What follows is in the category of not wanting to see how the sausage is made. We enjoy the end product, we just don’t want to see how it’s put together.

This is reality fans. The NFL players are members of a union. That means they have a CBA (collective bargaining agreement) that has rules about things like contract negotiations. The CBA (agreed on by BOTH the players union and ownership) says that once a player’s contract expires, the team has the right to place one of two kinds of  “franchise” tags on that player which is a contract for the next season.

The tag is used when the two sides can’t agree on a longer term contract. The tag can be replaced by a long-term deal, so it can be used as an extension sometimes.

The Saints have placed the exclusive rights tag on Brees and have until July 16 to replace it with a long-term contract. That means they have to pay him either 120% of his previous year’s salary or the average of the top five players at his position. Whichever is greater.

The two sides are negotiating around the clock to sign the player considered as valuable to his team as any in the league to a long term deal, right?

“What’s been a little frustrating on my end, or disappointing, is the lack of communication,” Brees said. “We’ve reached out on quite a few occasions and at times I know I’ve been frustrated with the lack of response.”

Saints’ owner Tom Benson says the two sides are close but sources have told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that’s not so.

Perhaps the reason the Saints have been slow to respond to Brees is because there’s no one left in the front office but Gladys who answers the phones. I’m sure Gladys does a great job but with everyone else suspended or otherwise tied up, it’s a bit much to expect of her.

My reaction is that players need to stop whining about the franchise tag system. I know they want the security of a long-term contract but their union agreed to this system and the teams are simply taking advantage of a leverage they have. That’s negotiating.

Brees has no plans on participating in team activities without a long-term deal. His view is a bit different than mine:

“I feel like our position is very reasonable and certainly appropriate for the situation that I’m in. Which is having played the full extent of my (previous) six-year contract,” Brees said. “I knew exactly what I signed up for and over the last few years I have not said a peep about wanting a new contract or not being happy with my current contract… Certainly, I took on a lot of risk last year by playing the last year of my contract without anything guaranteed for the future.”

Sounds reasonable doesn’t it?

The problem is that this is a collectively bargained issue. One that Brees’ union has agreed to. While I certainly agree that the Saints should do whatever is needed to sign Brees long term, they don’t have to. We all have things in our control at work and things out of our control.

The tag can only be used two years in a row, so the worst case scenario would allow Brees to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season. While that’s not what Brees wants, it’s within the teams’ rights to do so.

It’s part of working in the NFL, just like non-compete contracts are part of many peoples’ employment. Just like being on call for days at a time are part of being a doctor. You know these things going in and they should be part of your decision to pursue that career.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m confused by the Saints not signing Brees also. There’s no player more valuable to his team than Drew Brees. On and off the field. But it is what it is and the only leverage Brees has is to retire or play under the franchise tag until it’s gone and he can go wherever he likes.

Follow me on Twitter@sprtsramblngman

Read more New Orleans Saints news on BleacherReport.com

'Big Big Rita News' Is Here: Benson to Restructure Leadership Team

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

The 'big big news' regarding Tom Benson's granddaughter Rita Benson LeBlanc that Fletcher Mackel tweeted about on Friday has finally arrived, after a prolonged and grueling 36-hour wait.

In a story posted early this morning by Mike Triplett of the nola.com/Times-Picayune, Triplett learned in a meeting with the Saints core management team on Friday that LeBlanc's new title is Vice-Chairwoman of the Board, and is part of a larger reorganization

Mike Freeman Unfairly Rips Vilma and Saints a New One

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Dave Cariello

I don't know what it is about CBS Sports writers but they just really don't seem to like the Saints or their fans. The latest post-Bountygate vitriolic rant against the Saints comes not from Pete Prisco, surprisingly, but rather from Mike Freeman this time. It's titled, 'Vilma's lawsuit against Goodell underscores Saints arrogance" and it's actually a couple of days old but I didn't find it mentioned anywhere else on CSC to date. I hate to even link to it, but I must.

The title alone lets you know exactly how Freeman feels about the Saints

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson revamps leading edge of the front office

Source: Nola.com by Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

Organization grows in myriad directions

NFP Sunday Blitz (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Fleur-de-Links: Saturday, May 19

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

Twitter

Jedidiah Collins ‏Special Olympics @SOLouisiana Oath: "Let me win, But if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt" #Inspired

'Rita' News on the Horizon?

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

In a Fanshot, Mknkachow recently linked to a tweet from WDSU's Fletcher Mackel (that Satch first brought us in Friday's Fleur-De-Links) that hints at coming news about the fate and fortune of one Rita Benson LeBlanc, the recently-allegedly-exiled Saints executive/Heir to the Saints:

Fletcher Mackel
‏@FletcherMackel

Tom Benson just said "in the coming days were gonna have some big big news regarding my granddaughter Rita" interesting. Stay

Hall of Fame lineman Willie Roaf says he didn't want to leave New Orleans

Source: Nola.com by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

He did a local TV interview this week

Drew Brees: Saints' Cautious Approach to New Mega Deal Is a Smart Move to Make

Source: Bleacher Report

The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees aren't on the best of terms right now, and fans are beginning to panic.

Don't be one of them.

The Saints are currently enduring the most tumultuous offseason the league has ever seen. Right now, they are much more worried about bounties and spies than throwing gobs of cash at a player already under contract for the 2012 season. WWL Channel 4 in New Orleans is reporting that GM Mickey Loomis reiterated that the team plans on giving Brees a new contract.

Brees doesn't care about that. He cares about financial security for the rest of his life, something every man can relate to.

Yet, it's hard to feel bad for a guy set to make $15.76 million, and if you listen to Loomis' latest comments, it's pretty clear they have no plans to let him walk (via WWL):

I feel with him. He wants to be here right now. I want him to be here right now. We'll work hard to get that accomplished. Drew loves the Saints and we love Drew.

This is important. It's not just important to Drew, but it's important to our team. The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long, long period of time. So, we've got to get it right.

At the age of 33, it's tough to gauge how long of a deal the Saints should give Brees. After a record-breaking season in 2011, he clearly is still in his prime—but what about four years from now?

Since his shoulder surgery, Brees has been very lucky to avoid injuries in his Saints tenure. Is that because he's incredible at avoiding the big hit, or is he just really lucky? How long will that luck last?

It's a very large risk, and the front office needs plenty of time to hash out the correct offer. They don't want to low-ball their superstar, but they can't toss too much guaranteed money at a player with only so many prime years still in front of him.

It's a tricky situation, and with an entire year to figure it out, credit the Saints for thoroughly thinking through the entire process before simply throwing a blank check in Brees' direction. 

 

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.

Read more New Orleans Saints news on BleacherReport.com

Saints Shut Out of NFL's Top 70-61 Players of 2012

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

erance/">Saints Shut Out of NFL's Top 70-61 Players of 2012

I am not endorsing/unendorsing this writer's assessment, but this was just the first article I found with a list of the players from 70-61, to demonstrate the lack of Saints on it. Ho hum.

Jesse Bartolis

nflmocks.com

2012 Saints Hall of Fame News: The Follow-Up Details

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Hans Petersen

Yesterday, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame announced the men it is honoring in 2012: former running back Deuce McAllister, owner Tom Benson, former safety and special teams standout Steve Gleason, and announcer Jim Henderson.

Our man Dave was on the J-O-B and reported on this as it happened (live, local, and late-breaking with new storm-cutter HD supper doppler real-time satellite

Benson, McAllister Worthy New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Inductees: Fan's Opinion (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

Film of the NFC South chat

Source: NFC South Blog

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Friday’s NFC South chat. Ryan (Charlotte): Regression or Progression. Which will be the theme for Cam Newton next year. Pat Yasinskas: I see progress. He's got a full offseason with the coaches and the play book this time around. Chris (taylor): Saw you just made the article about the lawsuit. Article 43 section 1 states that per agreement, Vilma can only take grievance with the NFl, not the legal system.

Former LSU star Charles Alexander belongs in College Football Hall of Fame, and other Jazz and Razz

Source: Nola.com by Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune

  The Times-PicayuneFormer Saints running back Deuce McAllister will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame JAZZ: Former LSU star CHARLES ALEXANDER was named to the College Football Hall of Fame this week by the National Football Foundation. He...

Interview with New Orleans Saints offensive lineman DeOn’tae Pannell

Source: Who Dat Dish by Gene Higginbotham

Sep 4, 2010; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tailback Evan Royster (22) follows a block by guard DeOn

In preparation for the 2012 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints had to have a solid plan for their limited number of draft picks.  One part of that plan involved several pre-draft visits with some potential hidden gems like offensive lineman DeOn’tae Pannell. … [visit site to read more]

Interview with New Orleans Saints offensive lineman DeOn’tae Pannell - Who Dat Dish - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Around the NFC South

Source: NFC South Blog

A quick look at the Saturday morning headlines from around the NFC South. Perhaps the most tragic story of this offseason belongs to Tampa Bay defensive tackle Brian Price. His sister recently died in a car accident. This isn’t the first tragedy for Price. Previously, two of his brothers died at young ages. Price talked extensively about how devastating the latest loss has been. He also said he hopes to adopt his sister’s two young sons and bring them to Tampa.

Random Observations: Joe Vitt Would Make Chuck Norris Proud

Source: Canal Street Chronicles by Thomas Hukel

Okay, I had to take a break from writing up Corey White's rookie profile but I should have that before the end of the weekend. That kid has moxie I tell ya. Someone else I'm really happy is associated with the Saints and seems like he's full of moxie is Mr. Joe "Check out my manstache" Vitt.

When I found out Vitt was chosen as the interim head coach I thought, "Oh man, there goes the neighborhood!" I don't know how the rest of Who Dat Nation felt, but I'm sure some of you shared my feeling about him handling the head coaching duties, especially in regard to press conferences.

Regardless of how I felt, Vitt has proven me wrong, and I've come to realize

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis talks about Drew Brees' contract situation

Source: Nola.com by The Times-Picayune

At the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame induction press conference on Friday, general manager Mickey Loomis discussed quarterback Drew Brees' contract situation.

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson's actions tell the story much more accurately than his words

Source: Nola.com by Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune

Benson has always been a fan favorite

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason should have been inducted into Saints Hall of Fame

Source: Who Dat Dish by Gene Higginbotham

Former New Orleans Saints Safety Steve Gleason(#37)(Courtesy nfl.com)

The announcement came today that New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson and former running back Deuce McAllister would be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in September this year.  Yet, one more name should have been called. … [visit site to read more]

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason should have been inducted into Saints Hall of Fame - Who Dat Dish - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

During a tumultuous offseason, the New Orleans Saints take time out to recognize four during Hall of Fame announcement

Source: Nola.com by James Varney, The Times-Picayune

Tom Benson, Deuce McAllister headed for induction

New Orleans Saints owner sounds an upbeat note on re-signing Drew Brees

Source: Nola.com by James Varney, The Times-Picayune

General manager Mickey Loomis admits sides silent for some time

New Orleans Saints owner Benson/former running back McAllister elected to Saints Hall of Fame

Source: Who Dat Dish by Ian Dear

November 9, 2008; Atlanta, GA USA; New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister (26) breaks an attempted tackle by defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first half at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

The Media Selection committee for the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame announced on May 18th that New Orleans Saints Owner Tom Benson and retired running back Deuce McCallister have been elected to the Saints Hall of Fame. … [visit site to read more]

New Orleans Saints owner Benson/former running back McAllister elected to Saints Hall of Fame - Who Dat Dish - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

McAllister, Benson Latest Saints HOF Inductees

Source: Saints Gab by Matt Loede

Former running back Deuce McAllister and Saints owner Tom Benson have been elected to the Saints Hall of Fame.

The hall, which runs independently from the club, made the announcement on Friday. Formal inductions are scheduled Sept. 21.

McAllister played eight seasons for the Saints after they made him a first-round pick out of Mississippi in 2001. He retired as the leading rusher franchise history with 6,096 yards and as the club’s all-time touchdown leader with 55.

“It’s an honor for me to be recognized by the Hall of Fame for my contributions but really this is about my teammates,” McAllister said. “They were the reason I was able to accomplish the things I was to accomplish during my career. It’s an honor be inducted with Mr. Benson, who didn’t have to do what he did when he bought the team back in 1985, but he did it because he loves New Orleans.”

Benson, a New Orleans native, has owned the Saints since 1985. All nine of New Orleans’ playoff appearances and lone Super Bowl title have come since then.

“You all didn’t always agree with me, and I always didn’t agree with you,” Benson said to members of the media who made up the selection committee that voted him into the hall. “It’s been a wonderful 25 years for me, and I hope it’s been a wonderful 25 years for you and our fans. We’re looking for better things to come. We’re looking to be better, and we’re looking to be stronger.

“I look forward to the 2012 season and I especially look forward to making history,” Benson continued. “This is our goal right now, to win the Super Bowl in our own stadium. We’re going to work hard to accomplish that under trying circumstances. There’s an old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We’re going to be tough.”

The hall is also naming a “legacy gallery” for former special teams standout Steve Gleason, a fan favorite who is struggling with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Gleason may be best known for blocking a punt in the Saints’ first game played in the Superdome after the stadium had undergone extensive renovations to repair damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. He married a New Orleans native and settled in the city after he retired in 2008 and has remained popular with fans as well as Saints coaches, officials and current players. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in early 2011, and has since initiated a campaign to improve the lives of those living with ALS.

“In my career, I didn’t necessarily fit the mold of an NFL player but I always was creative enough to find a way to fit in,” said Gleason, a world traveler and environmental activist who during his playing days wore his brown hair long and would show up at practice driving a truck that ran on vegetable oil. “I thank the Hall of Fame for being creative enough to find a way to include me, even if it is through the side entrance.

“This city has become my home. And this organization is woven into the fabric of this city,” Gleason said. “Luckily for me, I get to enjoy all of the beautiful parts of this city, and that’s because of this organization.”

Saints Owner Tom Benson/Former RB elected to Saints Hall of Fame

Source: Who Dat Dish by Ian Dear

Saints Owner Tom Benson (Source: www.tampabay.com)

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Saints Owner Tom Benson/Former RB elected to Saints Hall of Fame - Who Dat Dish - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame speech by Tom Benson

Source: Nola.com by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Saints Owner Tom Benson gives a speech during the Saints 2012 Hall of Fame inductees announcement in the Super Dome. Benson was one of three people announced as being inducted into the Saints 2012 Hall of Fame.

Saints promise to give Brees long-term deal (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The New Orleans Saints promised that a long-term contract for quarterback Drew Brees will get done.

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame speech by Hokie Gajan

Source: Nola.com by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Saints color commentator for Saints radio broadcasts Hokie Gajan gives a speech on behalf of Jim Henderson during the 2012 Saints 2012 Hall of Fame inductees announcement. Jim Henderson was unable to be at the Super Dome for the announcement of his induction into the Saints 2012 Hall of Fame.

Drew Brees: Saints' Cautious Approach to New Mega Deal Is Smart Move to Make

Source: Bleacher Report

The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees aren’t on the best of terms right now and fans are beginning to panic.

Don’t be one of them.

The Saints are currently enduring the most tumultuous offseason the league has ever seen. Right now, they are much more worried about bounties and spies than throwing gobs of cash at a player already under contract for the 2012 season. WWL Channel 4 in New Orleans is reporting that GM Mickey Loomis reiterated that the team plans on giving Brees a new contract.

Brees doesn’t care about that. He cares about financial security for the rest of his life, something every man can relate to.

Yet it’s hard to feel bad for a guy set to make $15.76 million, and if you listen to Loomis' latest comments, it’s pretty clear they have no plans to let him walk (via WWL):

I feel with him. He wants to be here right now. I want him to be here right now. We’ll work hard to get that accomplished. Drew loves the Saints and we love Drew.

This is important. It’s not just important to Drew, but it’s important to our team. The magnitude of this contract is going to impact our team for a long, long period of time. So, we’ve got to get it right.

At the age of 33, it’s tough to gauge how long of a deal the Saints should give him. After a record-breaking season in 2011, he clearly is still in his prime…but what about four years from now?

Since his shoulder surgery, Brees has been very lucky to avoid injuries in his Saints tenure. Is that because he’s incredible at avoiding the big hit or just really lucky? How long will that luck last?

It’s a very large risk, and the front office needs plenty of time to hash out the correct offer. They don’t want to lowball their superstar, but they can’t toss too much guaranteed money at a player with only so many prime years still in front of him.

It’s a tricky situation, and with an entire year to figure it out, credit the Saints for thoroughly thinking through the entire process before simply throwing a blank check in Brees’ direction. 

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Read more New Orleans Saints news on BleacherReport.com

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Speech by Deuce McAllister

Source: Nola.com by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Saints former player Deuce McAllister gives a speech during the 2012 Hall of Fame inductee announcement in the Super Dome. McAllister was one of the three people announced as being inducted into the Saints 2012 Hall of Fame.

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame speech by Steve Gleason

Source: Nola.com by Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason gives a speech during the 2012 Hall of Fame inductees announcement. A wing in the Saints Hall of Fame room in the Super Dome was named after Gleason.

Breaking down Connor Barth's contract

Source: NFC South Blog

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their trend of not tying up salary cap space for future years with signing bonuses when kicker Connor Barth signed a four-year deal Thursday. According to contract details obtained by ESPN.com, Barth instead will get a $3 million roster bonus this year. He also is scheduled to earn $1.45 million in base salary in 2012. His salary-cap figure for this year will be $4.45 million. Barth will earn an average of $3.3 million each season over the course of the contract and $4 million of his money is guaranteed.