Nawlins Wants to Host the NFL Draft

[Hostile]

City sends letter to Goodell seeking to host NFL draft

Associated Press

Updated: July 14, 2007, 4:41 PM

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans is hoping it gets picked for the NFL draft.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the annual draft and turn it into a week-long celebration -- complete with events including a Mardi Gras-style parade and civic events involving retired NFL players.

The draft either would be held at the convention center or the New Orleans Arena, said Jay Cicero, the foundation president leading the effort. The NFL has not responded to the plan, he said.

New York has hosted the draft since 1965. It's set to be held at Radio Music City Hall next year, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is committed to that event.

After that, he said, "we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations."

The New Orleans Saints, and their seemingly improbable run to the NFC title game last season, were the feel-good story for a city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago.

Cicero said there's "no question" the city could host the draft and even enhance the event, adding some "New Orleans touches to it."

The draft typically is held in late April, and in past years, has coincided with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cicero doesn't see a problem with that.

Cicero said he met with Saints executives Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha to discuss the pitch before sending it to Goodell.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

 

[Bob Sacamano]

if they host it there, and I get tickets, I'll probably be wasting money, I'd be too hung over to go

 

[burmafrd]

Some things need to stay the same. Leave the Draft in NY

 

[Hoofbite]

they want it, they will probably get it.

don't really care all too much but seeing it shuttle around so other people could go would be kind of cool.

 

[EastDallasCowboy]

I'd love to see it moved around every year.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I don't see this happening.....imo

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'd love to see it moved around every year.

That is a great idea. Or maybe let the super bowl winning city host it.

 

[RealCowboyfan]

Let it be in Dallas...

 

[Ren]

Let it be in Dallas...

would be to wierd if we where in the clock and didn't get boo'd

 

[jackrussell]

Actually, a pretty good idea...not just New Orleans though.

In fact, considering they've hosted Super Bowls and such, as have many other southern cities...and with no real hopes of having Super Bowls in the north...this could be the bone thrown to those northern franchise cities and their fans.

Alot of old farts don't like change....I say leave them behind...they can go sit with that gawd awful looking Jet's group we have to endure each year.

 

[DallasEast]

For purely personal reasons, I hope that New Orleans doesn't get to host the NFL Draft. That would mean only a 4 1/2 hour drive for me to go there and kick Mel Kiper's butt after he said something stupid about Dallas (which would probably happen within the first few minutes of the telecast). I don't want my great-grandchildren to remember me as an old ESPN highlight.

 

[Achozen]

That is a great idea. Or maybe let the super bowl winning city host it.

Interesting. I doubt it happens, but you never know.

 

[jackrussell]

For purely personal reasons, I hope that New Orleans doesn't get to host the NFL Draft. That would mean only a 4 1/2 hour drive for me to go there and kick Mel Kiper's butt after he said something stupid about Dallas (which would probably happen within the first few minutes of the telecast). I don't want my great-grandchildren to remember me as an old ESPN highlight.

Are you kidding? That'd be worthy of an ESPY.

 

[jackrussell]

Years ago David Letterman got his first national show on NBC with a morning time slot. I remember a show he did where he took it to somebody's house, and did the broadcast there.

Borrowing from that, I think Roger Goodell, in his unyielding pursuit of fan friendly football, ought to take the draft to someone's house. Have everyone jammed in the living room or basement, conducting their draft much like fantasy owners have for years, consuming beer and and devouring 12 foot subs....laughing at suspect picks...drafting retired or dead guys.

You could put the announcers in the kitchen....the players could be stowed in the garage awaiting their impending selection...except in those Quinn like situations where they could be whisked away to the commissioner's private master bath. Fans clad in their well fitting team gear could hang in the yard(except CBZ's), on the deck, in the street...some lucky enough to press their red noses to the now snot stained windows to witness the action.

So just don't sit there...be like New Orleans....prop having the next draft at your house....tell us what you have to offer!

 

[cowboyz]

Actually, a pretty good idea...not just New Orleans though.

In fact, considering they've hosted Super Bowls and such, as have many other southern cities...and with no real hopes of having Super Bowls in the north...this could be the bone thrown to those northern franchise cities and their fans.

i like that idea

 

[dallasfan]

That is a great idea. Or maybe let the super bowl winning city host it.

Or the team with the #1 pick.

 

[BourbonBalz]

I'm pretty much tired hearing abour New Orleans. Yes, what happened down there was terrible. However, it's a cesspool. Always has been and it's steadily returning to form. Murder capital of the country.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Or the team with the #1 pick.

Imagine if that happened and the first pick got traded.

Oh the drama. Could be a bad scene.

 

[J-DOG]

City sends letter to Goodell seeking to host NFL draft

Associated Press

Updated: July 14, 2007, 4:41 PM

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans is hoping it gets picked for the NFL draft.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the annual draft and turn it into a week-long celebration -- complete with events including a Mardi Gras-style parade and civic events involving retired NFL players.

The draft either would be held at the convention center or the New Orleans Arena, said Jay Cicero, the foundation president leading the effort. The NFL has not responded to the plan, he said.

New York has hosted the draft since 1965. It's set to be held at Radio Music City Hall next year, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is committed to that event.

After that, he said, "we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations."

The New Orleans Saints, and their seemingly improbable run to the NFC title game last season, were the feel-good story for a city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago.

Cicero said there's "no question" the city could host the draft and even enhance the event, adding some "New Orleans touches to it."

The draft typically is held in late April, and in past years, has coincided with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cicero doesn't see a problem with that.

Cicero said he met with Saints executives Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha to discuss the pitch before sending it to Goodell.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

I wouldn't mind this at all.
Just as long as New Orleans getting the draft doesn't get the New York Giants a 9th home game next season.

 

[DallasEast]

Are you kidding? That'd be worthy of an ESPY.

An ESPY, huh? I may change my mind then. I can see it all now...

"Gather around Grandpa, children. I've got a story to tell ya about that ESPY award sitting over there. That includes you too, Terrell. And for the last time, PUT DOWN THOSE SHARPIE PENS!!!

Once upon a time, a Dallas Cowboys fan rode down to 'Orleans to kick Mel Kiper's you know what. What Kiper did for a living to tick off the fan isn't important. Needless to say, Kiper got his you know what kicked. That fan was me. The End.

So, who wants ice cream? Terrell! How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling your cousin gay??? Now, quit it!"