Tom Benson's granddaughter Dawn Jones criticizes family

Tom Benson's granddaughter, Dawn Jones, released a statement Thursday in support of her grandfather. 

The Benson family has been fighting over the ownership of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans after the 87-year-old said he would transfer ownership of his clubs to his wife, Gayle, upon his death. 

Benson was previously expected to transfer ownership to his other granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc. 

LeBlanc filed a lawsuit that Benson asked to be dismissed, and Jones released the following statement Thursday: 

Unfortunately it is now public knowledge that an ugly conflict is taking place in our family. I have remained silent over the past week in hopes that the conflict would be resolved quickly and quietly once other family members saw the irreparable damage that was being done by their actions. It has become apparent over the last few days that they have no intention of stopping their relentless attacks, so at this time I would like to publicly state my support for my grandfather, Tom Benson. My husband, my children and I all have a great relationship with my grandfather and Gayle. I have recently spent time with them both and communicate with them on a regular basis. I have witnessed nothing that warrants the actions that are currently being taken. I am brokenhearted that other family members have chosen to publicly harass and humiliate the patriarch of our family - the very person who is responsible for giving them everything they have. During this difficult time I would ask that you pray for the entire family, especially for my grandfather, Tom Benson.

Benson has owned the Saints since 1985 and the Pelicans since 2012.