SAN ANTONIO -- Hurricane-ravaged Louisiana is declaring victory in the Saints tug-of-war, but San Antonio officials aren't backing down.

In an e-mail sent to KSAT News on Tuesday, Superdome official Larry Roedel wrote, "We have assurances from the NFL that the 2006 season will be played in Louisiana. There is no value to a verbal tug-of-war between the City of San Antonio and Baton Rouge or New Orleans."

But San Antonio leaders emphasized no final decision on the Saints' future has been made, and they still believe Saints owner Tom Benson wants the team to play next season's home games in San Antonio.

"I still believe Louisiana has significant challenges in place," Councilman Chip Haass told KSAT News on Tuesday. "The NFL Commissioner has significant challenges in impeding Mr. Benson's move for the 2006 season to San Antonio."

Haass, who has helped lead efforts to bring the NFL to San Antonio, called Roedel's statement "speculation."

"You have an attorney who speaks without knowing the facts," Haass said. "He's speculating on a best-case scenario for that individual situation."

Both Haass and Mayor Phil Hardberger lambasted NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue this week. Tagliabue has expressed disinterest in moving the Saints to San Antonio for the 2006 season.

"He's off his rocker if he doesn't think San Antonio is ready for the NFL," Haass said.