Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says she was only kidding when she said “Anybody but the Saints” when asked, who she would like to see in the Super Bowl. Bottoms addressed the minor controversy at a pre-Super Bowl press conference for the February 3rd game.
“When we planned this press conference, we didn’t know we were going to need all this extra security for all of the New Orleans fans that we offended. So let me say before we begin, it was a joke,” said Bottoms.
New Orleans City Councilman Jay Banks stood up for Saints fans by saying the Atlanta mayor is still upset her team blew a 25-point lead in the 2017 Super Bowl. Bottoms says it was a just when she said she didn’t want the Saints in the Super Bowl, but Saints have to understand where she’s coming from.
“I don’t know of a Falcons fan who wants to see New Orleans and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. With that being said, we are so very thankful to all who will come to Atlanta,” said Bottoms.
Bottoms says she wants to make it clear, she welcomes fans from all 32 teams to Atlanta for the Super Bowl.
“In all seriousness, that includes Patriots fans, that includes New Orleans fans, or whomever may be in town. We are very honored to host this event that will be watched by the entire world,” said Bottoms.