Yes, I'm saying it - Get off Benson for the Millsaps training camp move

A lot of criticism has been directed toward Saints owner Tom Benson for his decision (or his endorsement of new head coach Sean Payton's decision) to move Saints training camp from Metairie and to Millsaps College in Mississippi.

I say, kudos to Benson and Payton for making the move.

Why?

As Tommy Boy is quoted in this critical article from the Opelousas Daily World, "We want these to be the Mississippi Saints - as well as the New Orleans Saints and the Louisiana Saints - and this is a major start in that direction...We have a large fan base in Mississippi and the whole Gulf Coast region, and it's very important for us, today more than ever, that we have a regional team."

It follows in step with past pronouncements by NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue about keeping the team in New Orleans. The team must have a regional fan base, especially now since so much population was lost in New Orleans. It's important not just for ticket sales, but also for ad revenue and corporate sponsorships and suite sales.

Spread the fan base. Grow the fan base. Gain support. Keep the Saints in New Orleans.

See the connection?

So after multiple posts critical of Benson's antics, he's done a great thing with this move, and he is making a big-time effort at keeping the team where it belongs.

If the Saints don't train in Metairie so that they can stay in New Orleans, so be it.

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Got a comment? Email me at saintsdoggle@yahoo.com.