New Orleans Saint Totally Off Sides

The New Orleans Saints were totally on the wrong side, as they have now been found out, to have played crisis control for the Archdiocese of New Orleans as the priest sexual abuse scandal broke.

According to a February 3rd New York Times article, the teams owner is a  devout catholic and good friend with the Archbishop.

The team:

• Offered “crisis commination” help.
• Worked to gain positive news coverage for the Church.
• Contacted and negotiated with the police for the Church.
• Reviewed, discussed and vetted  the List of credibly accused clergy members , before it was released to the public.
• Provided direct coaching for the press events.
• Contacted the press directly on the Churches behalf

In October 2018, Mr. Bensel wrote to top editors at The Advocate and another newspaper, The Times-Picayune, saying that he was reaching out as a New Orleans native and member of the Catholic Church, not as a representative of the Saints or the Pelicans. But he cited his work with the Saints, writing that support from the local media had helped the small-market team thrive. He asked the newspapers to back the church in a similar way as it prepared to release its list of credibly accused clergy and offered an “exclusive sit-down” with the archbishop.

“We have the right man — at the right time — right now and I am asking that YOU as the most influential newspaper in our state, please get behind him and work with him,” Mr. Bensel wrote, referring to Archbishop Aymond. He added, “Casting a critical eye on him is neither beneficial nor right.”

This is simply the wrong side and an example of the blind eye that has been turned by to many in power.  The Survivors need this kind of help and most of all to be heard.

Surprisingly, the NFL responded to the story by actually supporting the team:

 During NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s annual Super Bowl news conference, he applauded the Saints’ “transparency” amid an ongoing scandal. Multiple new reports emerged yesterday, including from The New York Times.

Sorry , but the NFL should have supported the truth coming out and questioned the actions of the Saints.

Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there.

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a clergy member, contact Bradshaw & Bryant. Our resourceful team will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and gather the evidence needed to pursue justice. Call  or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.