Peter King of Sports Illustrated posted my letter in his MMQB column:
I HATE GIVING AWAY THIS GAME. From Ashley Morris of New Orleans. "Is it not evil of the NFL to put New Orleans in the London game against the Chargers? Making them travel is one thing -- I can deal with that; but making the fans lose a home game at the Superdome? First of all, the Saints had to play nine road games in 2005, including that monstrosity in the Meadowlands. Second, the Chargers can't even sell out a playoff game, and the Saints have 30k people on the season ticket waiting list. Is this in any way fair to the New Orleans fans and season ticket holders (like you)?"
You're right. I don't like the Saints, in such a delicate time, exporting one of their most attractive home games in 2008 to England. Tampa Bay was a better candidate, especially with the Glazer family in the soccer business in England. Tom Benson needs to make some gesture to the fans of New Orleans -- through a charity to help the devastated neighborhoods, for example -- to make the loss of a valuable home game palatable to the people who will miss it.
Only correction, I originally said "sixteen road games in 2005".
Good support from King, except for the lousy edit.
I was in Tiger Stadium. Trust me. Those were road games. The head coach of the Dolphins that year (Nick Saban) got bigger cheers than the Saints did.
(Wonder how those Saban-cheerleaders feel now?)
Posted by: Mr. Clio | 29 January 2008 at 01:25 PM
It's a Small World, Chapter A Million: Peter King was a college classmate of mine. Goofy guy with a mop of red curls. Fun guy. (Although, did he call me when the Super Bowl came to Detroit? Nooooo.)
Posted by: Nancy Nall | 29 January 2008 at 01:41 PM
I read the Peter King columns every week and just saw your question posted. Nice job! I've e-mailed several questions/comments over the years, but have never hit the big time. I see you commenting all the time at Nancy's place.
Posted by: Andrea | 29 January 2008 at 02:38 PM
Maybe he meant "nine Road Home games".
Sank you. I am here all of ze week.
Posted by: Ray | 29 January 2008 at 06:44 PM
Good Stuff!! WHO DAT Time....
Posted by: Saints | 10 February 2008 at 01:05 PM
Anyone loves to have it. Great news!
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