Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1985-02-08

Duration: 00:10:44

Subjects: Sports | New Orleans Saints (Football team) | Edwards, Edwin W. | Louisiana. Legislature

Contributors:

• Johnson, Ken Host
• Edwards, Edwin Speaker
• Bagert, Ben Interviewee
• Jefferson, William Interviewee
• Donelon, Jim Interviewee
• Gunter, Carl, Jr. Interviewee
• Cain, James David Interviewee
• Skinner, Denzil Interviewee

This segment from the February 8, 1985, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Ken Johnson’s report on the controversy surrounding Governor Edwin Edwards’ plan to use $25 million in state funds to aid in the sale of the New Orleans Saints from current owner Jon Mecom, Jr. to the Pritzger family of Chicago. Johnson reports that Mecom is asking for $70 million and the Pritzgers are only willing to pay $45 million. His report touches on: the negative response of legislators to Edwards’ plan; Governor Edwards changing his plan to require the Pritzger family to pay back the $25 million; and the rural lawmakers who plan to vote no on the deal. It includes highlights of Governor Edwin Edwards’ press conference following a meeting with state legislators. Johnson also interviews: State Senator Ben Bagert; State Senator William Jefferson; State Representative Jim Donelon; State Representative Carl Gunter, Jr.; State Representative James David Cain; and Denzil Skinner, the negotiator for the Pritzger family.