Benson Again Tops List Of Most Influential Southern Louisiana Sports Figures

Saints Owner TOM BENSON tops the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE's list of the "most powerful and influential people on the South Louisiana sports scene" for the third consecutive year. In recent years, Benson "has silenced critics by putting a winning product on the field and becoming one of the leading local philanthropists." SMG Senior VP DOUG THORNTON ranks No. 2 on the list, up five spots from last year. SMG "manages the Superdome -- which just had more than $336 million in renovations since Hurricane Katrina wrecked it in 2005 -- the adjacent New Orleans Arena and several other local sports properties." Since joining the company in '97, Thornton "has become a vital cog in the Louisiana sports landscape" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/17). Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District Chair RON FORMAN said Thornton is a "top asset for the state to have." Forman: "For Doug, this is not a job. It's just who Doug is. He lives sports. He goes 24 hours a day, full speed" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/17).

MOST INFLUENTIAL SOUTH LOUISIANA SPORTS FIGURES
RANK	INDIVIDUAL
1	Saints Owner Tom Benson
2	SMG Senior VP Doug Thornton
3	Saints QB Drew Brees
4	Hornets G Chris Paul
5	Saints coach Sean Payton
6	Saints Exec VP & GM Mickey Loomis
7	LSU football coach Les Miles
8	Hornets Chair Jac Sperling
9	Cox Sports Television VP/Regional Sports Rod Mickler
10	Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan
11	LSU AD Joe Alleva
12	Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President & CEO Jay Cicero
13	Saints co-Owner & Exec VP Rita Benson LeBlanc
14	Saints Exec VP & CFO Dennis Lauscha
15	Hornets President Hugh Weber
16	Hornets GM Dell Demps
17	Hornets coach Monty Williams
18	LSED Chair Ron Forman
19	Tulane Univ. AD Rick Dickson
20	Tulane Dir of Sports Law Gabe Feldman
21	Fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone
22	Fitness trainer Duke Rousse
23	LSU Board of Supervisors Athletic Committee Chair Stanley Jacobs
24	LSU running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson
25	Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters