"WHO DAT?" GETTING OUT OF HAND?

This judge found in favor of the Who Dat Nation.

On Wednesday, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Michael Bagneris ordered a Feb. 1 jury trial delayed in light of the New Orleans Saints' historic trip to the 2010 Super Bowl.

"The court takes judicial notice that Saintsmania permeates the city of New Orleans," Bagneris wrote in a one-paragraph ruling in an asbestos lawsuit, filed in 2005 by Dano Paul Becnel against Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Inc., and about 20 others
....

"Many prospective jurors for the parish of Orleans, several attorneys involved in this litigation and court personnel plan on traveling to the promised land -- the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida," wrote Bagneris, a 17-year veteran of the Civil District Court on Loyola Avenue.

"The court recognizes that this pilgrimage enhances the chances of the Who Dat Nation to acquire the long sought-after Holy Grail: the Vince Lombardi trophy."
....

Reached at his office Wednesday afternoon, Bagneris said that he won't hold any jury trials next week because of the Saints making their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

"After the victory, everyone will be in a really good mood," Bagneris said. Asked if he expects the Saints to beat the Indianapolis Colts on Feb. 7, the judge nearly scoffed.

"How could anyone doubt that, after watching such a divine intervention on Sunday," he said, referring to the Saints' win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Bagneris set a new trial date for Feb. 9, exactly one week before Mardi Gras.

I dunno. A week before Mardi Gras? If the trial goes into the height of the Mardi Gras season....

Realists know that between Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Lenten period, there's no good time to do business in New Orleans or south Louisiana.

Thanks to Paul (A.) for the link.