The Saints…Again?

The New Orleans Saints have dealt with more controversy in a relatively short amount of time than any other sports team in recent memory. From BountyGate run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, to losing head coach Sean Payton to a season-long suspension to rumors of tension with franchise quarterback Drew Brees, Who Dat Nation can't seem to catch a break.

Now those same people who were part of getting Sean Payton bounced, could make an even greater case that long-time Saints general manager Mickey Loomis should also be banned for life. Loomis is already suspended for eight games next season, due to turning a blind eye to the Saints' bounty system -- one which the NFL notified him about. Now he has even more on his plate to worry about.

According to an ESPN "Outside the Lines" report, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Louisiana's Eastern District was notified last week that Loomis had part of the Superdome rewired to be able to eavesdrop and hear opposing teams' plays. According to the report, this occurred mostly from 2002-2004, when the Saints were largely a joke and before the franchise rebirth that came with the arrival of Coach Payton and Drew Brees. Whoa.

Of course the denial is emphatic: "My reaction (to the report) is it's absolutely untrue," Loomis said. "I'm not responsible for the wiring of the Superdome. I don't know anything about electronics. I've never ever in my years in the NFL listened to or even thought I had the ability to listen to an opposing coach's headset. It's ludicrous as far as I'm concerned."

Mickey Loomis is rebutting this accusation, claiming that ESPN has an axe to grind with the team and sent reporter John Barr to New Orleans to drum  up more negative controversy for the team.

Talk about controversy and lawsuit. Loomis has indicated that he just may seek legal action against ESPN.  Yikes!