When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans it left the city in shambles. After 2005, it seemed liked the city went through setback after setback. When the Saints finally played its first home game after the disaster, it was moving. But, this was a city that needed more. The city needed a Super Bowl. It needed a team to believe in, a team that could, when it seemed like everything else was stacked against the, give the city something more than pride. Hope.

This was a city that needed a victory like no other city. And this was a team willing to do anything to bring it to them.

Now, they’re paying the price. Say bye to Sean Payton for the year. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams may never get a job in football again unless Roger Goodell has a change of heart. When the Saints won in 2009, it was one of the more inspirational moments in football history. To see Drew Brees holding up his child. To know that in New Orleans, fans finally got a glimmer of hope. That all was not wrong with the world. That things were getting better.

Now, that Super Bowl win is tarnished as is Payton’s and William’s legacies. Was it worth it? I suppose the real answer to that is to ask the people of New Orleans. I hope it was. Because, as of right now, you’re paying a steep price for it.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.