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).