Too many links for a single headline to cover

A quick scan revealed that a lot's been said about the Saints over the last couple of days or so. Here's just a run-through of links:

Dome upgrade expected in 2006 - Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune - Apparently, the LSED state will look to add such things as "modernized club rooms, updated luxury suites, high-end concession stands and state-of-the-art electronics, such as high-definition scoreboards and halo boards." A press conference is scheduled to further reveal the upgrade plans tomorrow.

Things really are horrible for Saints - Paul Attner, Sporting News - Attner comments on the recent San Antonio practice development, asking, "Huh? This is the setup for a NFL team?" Attner further acknowledges that "with an owner who has become the league's public relations nightmare and a practice and playing schedule set up to produce failure, the season has become wrenching."

Saints punter Berger rips Tagliabue - TSN.ca (Canadian sports site) - The story is basically a list of Berger's comments, including such gems as, "If I was a free agent this year I'd go anywhere but our team."

The Dirty Dozen - Jon Heyman, New York Newsday - Heyman comes up with a list of Worst Sports of the Year, with good ole Tommy Boy at No. 2 (just behind Terrell Owens and his agent at 1 and 1a):

"2. Tom Benson, Saints owner. Never should be allowed to own a team called the Saints. Effectively spit on New Orleans by making clear his intention to move seemingly within minutes after Hurricane Katrina struck. When Benson was booed and cursed at in Baton Rouge, he whined via e-mail to commissioner Paul Tagliabue that his trip there was a 'total disaster.' No, he is."

Bears 'D' has Chicago in Super Bowl Shuffle - Gary Myers, New York Daily News - In Myers' Quick Hits section of this article, he writes:

"The NFL is not ready to bail out on New Orleans just yet, even if Saints owner Tom Benson puts up a fight. So, another unsettling season comes up in 2006. The plan is for the Saints to play games in Baton Rouge and San Antonio again next year and, if the Superdome is ready, play a couple of late-season games there. The Saints' practice facility near the New Orleans airport is in good shape, which could allow the team to move back home. If New Orleans is not able to show it can support the Saints in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, then moving to Los Angeles becomes very realistic."

Marlins' president says Alamo City is a Major League contender - W. Scott Bailey, San Antonio Business Journal - This story includes comments about NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue being wrong about San Antonio's size and ability to support an NFL franchise. Major League Baseball's Marlins may think differently.

Richardson seeks advice on bringing NFL team to New Mexico - AP - New Mexico governor Bill Richardson told the Associated Press recently that his office was in direct contact with Tom Benson last spring about relocating the Saints to Albuquerque. We already knew this, but it's just interesting to note again that Benson also had talked to San Antonio around this time.

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