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Saints owner Benson treated for breathing trouble

by Walter Pierce

Team spokesman Greg Bensel says the 87-year-old Benson is "fine" after being provided with oxygen.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) - Saints owner Tom Benson has been treated by paramedics and taken to a hospital because he had trouble breathing while watching practice.

Team spokesman Greg Bensel says the 87-year-old Benson is "fine" after being provided with oxygen. Bensel says Benson apparently has struggled with the altitude and dehydration at times during training camp in the Allegheny Mountains. The Saints' practice fields are at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, whereas much of New Orleans is at sea level.

Benson also was treated for similar dehydration symptoms on July 29, but hasn't missed any training camp practices since they started on July 25.

Saints coach Sean Payton says Benson's energy since training camp began "has been fantastic" and that he has not been told there is serious cause for concern.