Family members file lawsuit against Saints, Pelicans owner Tom Benson

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — One of the city’s richest families is feuding over what will happen to the business after Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson passes away. On Thursday, Benson’s granddaughter Rita Benson LeBlanc, her mother, and brother filed a lawsuit saying Benson is no longer able to control his businesses. They want a judge to let them take over immediately. The lawsuit slams Benson’s new wife as a bad influence, and discusses the Saints owner’s declining health. The move comes after Benson announced his 3^rd wife Gayle, not his daughter and grandkids, would take over the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans when he is gone. A cutting letter written by the family patriarch addressed to Renee, Rita and Ryan was made public Thursday with the lawsuit. It reads:

“Dear Renee, Rita, and Ryan, During the over 80 years of my life, I have built a rather large estate which was intended to mainly be for you all as my family. Suddenly after I remarried you all became offensive and did not act in an appropriate manner and even had arguments among yourselves which created a very unpleasant family situation which I will not stand for. It made me very unhappy and uncomfortable. This situation cannot continue at my age. Because of the facts set out above and the heart break you have caused me I want no further contact with any of you and you will not be allowed to enter the Saint’s facilities or games, the Basketball facilities or Pelicans games, the Benson Towers, the T.V. facilities in New Orleans and will have no right to give directions, orders or hire or fire any of the personnel. Sincerely yours, your father and grandfather, Tom Benson”

In a statement on the Saints website, Benson said the move to have Gayle as his successor is in the best interest of long-term success for the teams.   Thursday evening, Tom Benson responded to the lawsuit filed by his daughter and grandkids with this quote: “I am extremely disappointed by the lawsuit filed against me today by my daughter and two grandchildren.  Their allegations regarding my mental health are completely meritless and their allegations against my wife equally unfounded.  I will vigorously defend my decisions and the businesses I have built.  The false accusations in this suit further support the actions I have taken in changing the succession and transfer of ownership.  There is a small sign that sits on my desk and simply states “Tough times never last; but tough people do.”  Make no mistake, I will be back in the office tomorrow morning working hard, as I do every day, to ensure that the Saints and Pelicans are positioned for long-term success.  This State, City and our great fans deserve that.  I have instructed my staff to have no comment on this lawsuit moving forward.”   – Tom Benson For years now, Rita Benson LeBlanc has been listed as co-owner of both teams.  Any change would have to be approved by 24 of the 32 NFL owners.