Mon Feb 03 19:50:00 IST 2025: **New Orleans Saints’ PR Firm Helped Catholic Church Manage Clergy Abuse Scandal Fallout**
NEW ORLEANS — Leaked emails reveal the New Orleans Saints football organization played a far more extensive role in managing the fallout from the Catholic Church’s clergy sexual abuse scandal than previously admitted. The emails, obtained by the Associated Press, detail a months-long crisis communication campaign orchestrated by Saints executives, working closely with Archbishop Gregory Aymond.
The collaboration, which the Saints initially downplayed as minimal assistance, involved drafting questions for the Archbishop’s press appearances, briefing the team owner on calls with the District Attorney (potentially influencing the list of accused priests), and directly influencing local media coverage. The emails show Saints executives had access to the list of accused priests before its public release and that a team spokesman reported to his boss on a call with the city’s top prosecutor that seemingly resulted in the removal of certain names from the list.
State Representative Mandie Landry expressed outrage, calling the Saints’ actions “disgusting” and questioning why the team would go to such lengths to protect accused priests. Kevin Bourgeois, a former Saints season ticket holder who was abused by a priest, echoed this sentiment, feeling betrayed and retraumatized.
The Saints, in a statement, denied any involvement in adding or removing names from the list, criticizing the AP for misconstruing their “well-intended effort.” However, the emails contradict this claim, revealing a close working relationship and strategic intervention in shaping public perception. Former District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro also denied any involvement in shaping the list, contradicting the Saints’ spokesman’s account.
The emails also reveal a broader network of New Orleans institutions involved, including a federal judge who praised the Saints’ communication strategies. The extent of the Saints’ involvement may draw scrutiny from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, particularly given the NFL’s policy against conduct detrimental to the league.
The release of the list of credibly accused priests, while a step toward accountability, was incomplete, as a previous AP investigation found several accused priests were omitted. The incident has led to ongoing investigations by the FBI and Louisiana State Police.
The revelation of the Saints’ significant role in this sensitive matter raises serious ethical questions about the boundaries between public relations and the concealment of alleged crimes. The fallout continues to impact victims and the New Orleans community, casting a shadow over the upcoming Super Bowl in the city.
First Piper 