To say that we agonized over this decision would be an understatement. We clearly wanted to play the game in Louisiana and look at every possible alternative.

We want to see if we can coexist. These are questions that no one can effectively answer at this point.

I think it's obvious, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we are faced with some formidable challenges. It's difficult to go forward when you are ejected from your home venue. ... First and foremost in our thinking is that we want - in every way possible - to conduct our event in the state of Louisiana.

We still think it's doable. But it's obvious we are faced with some formidable challenges. We're not able to use the Superdome and we have to determine what options are available to us.

The Southeastern Conference (which furnishes the host team for the bowl) wanted it played within the (geographic) footprint of the league, and it was only appropriate that it should be.

They went on a rampage. They broke down the doors and stole just about everything we had. Interestingly, they didn't take a lot of irreplaceable Sugar Bowl memorabilia. But the place was a mess; before I could enter my office I had to take shots and put on a hazardous-waste suit.