'85 Chronology-Bayou Bobby

Event Date: August 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Saints Host Hebert

Source: UPI

Quarterback Bobby Hebert would give a strong Louisiana identity to the New Orleans Saints, says Gov. Edwin Edwards who is working to get the free agent from the USFL signed with the Superdome-based team.

“I understand that it's a matter of business negotiations and not a political matter, but he is the premier star of Louisiana and his presence on the team would make the Saints a Louisiana team and it would be more of an opportunity for him,” Edwards said Thursday, about an hour after talking over the deal with Saints owner Tom Benson.

Edwards told UPI he was trying to reach Hebert to get approval to talk with his agent.  

“I don't want him to think I'm pulling an end run,” Edwards said. “I respect his contract and merely want the okay to get in touch with his agent.”

Edwards said it would be unfair to disclose what specifically he wanted to discuss with Hebert's agent.

Asked if he had an offer to transmit, the governor said, “I think a conversation between me and his agent would be fruitful. Let's put it that way.”

Hebert, 24, worked out with the Saints during the weekend at their training camp in Ruston, La. He said he wanted to play for the NFL team in his home state but any deal would be negotiated by his agent, Greg Campbell.

In addition to the Saints, Hebert and Campbell have talked with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Raiders.

Hebert, who led the Michigan Panthers to a league title game against the New Jersey Generals this year, grew up in Cut Off, La., and played for Northwestern State University in Natchitoches where he now has a home.

“Playing in New Orleans would be great,” he said while at the Saints training camp. “I grew up 50 miles from the city, have seen the Saints play a lot of games there while growing up, and have a home in Natchitoches, which isn't far from Ruston. It would be a neat set up to be able to play for them.”

Saints coach Bum Phillips said Hebert would fit well in the club's plans but he was leaving all contract discussions to the team's business staff and the quarterback's agents.

Story-(UPI Modified)