Who's Nicer? Benson or Shinn
So do you think that Benson led a group to buy the team so that the Saints would remain in New Orleans or because it was an unbelievable investment?
Before answering, bear in mind that he does have a history of actions that clearly indicate his motives. Then ask yourself what Shinn gains by today's agreement.
Having seen the interviews and read the related media releases at the time, I honestly think it was a combination of the two factors.
Do I think Benson did it at least in part to save the franchise for the city of N.O.? Yes.
Do I think he planned to make money out of it? Absolutely. Every businessman
invests with the idea of making money. Including both Benson and Shinn. In fact, I think that when he realized just how much money he stood to make was when he decided to buy out the rest of the investors in his group.
The reason that I answer the first question "yes" is because of the way Benson handled that situation. He did not come straight out and make a bid for the franchise. What he did was to announce to the world that IF NO OTHER GROUP came forward or if Mecom would not change his mind that he would put together a group to buy the franchise. Buddy D broke that story, but Benson was largely ignored by the rest of the media. Buddy D kept telling his listeners not to worry that Benson was serious and that the franchise would not leave. No one listened. Then, a few months later when nothing else developed, Benson's group made their offer and Buddy D jumped up and down with the "I told you sos". :hihi:
My recollection of events and my opinion, FWIW.
Oh, and keep in mind that I did not vote and am not entering the Benson vs Shinn debate. I was merely taking a position on the comment that Benson has "never been this nice"... ;)