NFL: New Orleans cleared by police of eavesdropping on rival teams

NEW ORLEANS // State police investigators have found no evidence that the New Orleans Saints or their general manager Mickey Loomis rigged the wiring in the Superdome so opposing coaches' radio communications could be intercepted.

"This has been an intensive investigation, and after numerous interviews we have determined that there is no evidence that state laws have been violated," Louisiana state police chief Mike Edmonson said after meeting with Tom Benson, the Saints owner, in New Orleans to brief him on the status of the investigation.

State police investigators have been working in conjunction with the FBI since the eavesdropping allegations surfaced in news reports in April.

Edmonson said he could not comment on the status of related federal inquiries. He also noted that state police will reopen their investigations if new allegations surface.

"This is based on what we know today. If any new allegations would come up we would certainly pursue that," Edmonson said. "This is not anything to do with the FBI or the US Attorney's office. We find out whether or not there's any evidence to show criminal wrongdoing and base it on state law."

Loomis and the Saints have emphatically denied the allegations, and the Saints have hired the firm of former FBI director Louis Freeh to do its own investigation.

When informed of Edmonson's comments, Loomis said he did not have anything to add at this time. The FBI has so far declined to comment on the investigation.