But Favre threw that interception and the Saints forced OT and in OT they won!  It is exciting at the Sanders house these next two weeks!  GEAUX SAINTS!  Beat dem Colts!

“This is an issue that we have reviewed in the past. The position of the competition committee, and affirmed by the clubs, when it was reviewed in 2005 was that ‘a team that has clinched its division title has earned the right to rest its starters for the postseason, and that preparing for the postseason is just as important as protecting some other team’s playoff opportunity.’ That is the current policy,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

I still contend that there needs to be better, clearer rules in place.  But this is a start.  Readers who are concerned may certainly in a polite and respectful manner approach the NFL about this.  The league has changed it mind based on public outrage before when it banned and then allowed churches to show the Super Bowl so long as no one pays for it.

The campaign of the seeming front-runner in 2012, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has now sprung a serious leak.  Believe me, this gives me no joy.  I believe that Gov. Huckabee tends toward mercy and he may have allowed several to be released when they did not deserve. 

With no national buzz for former Massachusetts Mitt Romney and many party leaders frightened about the nomination of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the party leaders may have to decide who to support.  That may well be Jindal. 

Besides, if the Saints have an undefeated season and win the Super Bowl, that ought to be reason enough to support the visionary governor!

From Jindal’s office:

This is a huge win for New Orleans, but also the entire state of Louisiana. There’s no doubt that the spirit of our people who persevered through four storms in just over three years played a critical role in securing the Super Bowl.

This win shows that New Orleans is a premier host for major sports and entertainment events – and will be a perfect backdrop when the eyes of the world are upon us.

Indeed, Louisiana is committed to making sure the 2013 Super Bowl is unparalleled. That’s why it was critical for the state to come together with the New Orleans Saints and the Louisiana Superdome to establish a long-term agreement that will save taxpayers money, significantly improve the playing venue and dramatically revitalize the stadium area and the surrounding neighborhood.

From the Senate President’s office:

This is terrific news for New Orleans and Louisiana. New Orleans has long been a natural host city for events big and small, and the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans will undoubtedly be the best game yet. Our city has built back stronger than before and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people, we are competing with cities all across the country to host nationally important events like the Super Bowl.

The new agreement we have proposed to make investments in the Superdome is a critical part of making this event a success and I applaud the legislators who continue to work tirelessly to finalize this legislation.

This is significant because Senate President Chiasson is a Democrat.

If you need more information, try this analysis by John DeShazier of the Times-Picayune from April 29, 2009 (Proposal a Win-Win for Louisiana, New Orleans Saints):

But when you add in the deal is structured so the state’s financial obligation to the Saints considerably is lessened, down from the current $23.5 million the state owes this year under terms of the current agreement, to no more than $6 million per year under the proposed agreement, then it becomes that much more attractive.

And that $6 million could shrink, depending on whether the team can increase its revenue.

The state will pay at least $85 million in Superdome improvements, including added seating and suites, to help provide an avenue for the increase. And Saints owner Tom Benson will buy New Orleans Centre and Dominion Tower, and will lease to the state 320,000 square feet at Dominion Tower for state agencies.

DeShazier’s conclusion is favorable (especially for a public rightly skeptical of stadium deals):

But this ought to be bought because, really, it appears to be a good deal for the state and for the franchise.

This is another example of the new way of thinking that Governor Jindal is bringing to Louisiana.