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Pelicans, Saints owner Benson sued by daughter for control of teams

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Renee Benson, the daughter of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, will not let her father hand over ownership of both franchises to his wife without a fight. 

The Associated Press reported Wednesday night that Benson, 87, planned to give control of both teams to his wife, Gayle, after his eventual death. 

Benson's announcement was a surprise to his daughter and her children, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc, as the trio was supposed to be the heir apparent. Renee, whom Benson adopted, and her children now find themselves entangled in a legal battle with the long-time Saints owner and his wife of 10 years. 

Renee and the LeBlancs are named as petitioners in a lawsuit filed Thursday in Orleans Parish Civil District Court to block the succession change. Among the claims in the lawsuit, it's alleged Benson is mentally and physically unfit to manage his personal or business affairs, and that his health is much worse than publicly known.

The claim also alleges Gayle has manipulated him and wants his money. Benson appears to have vehemently disputed this in his will (seen in part below), in which he also cuts ties with his daughter and grandchildren.

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 -r facilities or the automotive 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

The complete lawsuit can be read at The Times-Picayune

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