Gayle Benson rules out selling Saints, Pelicans

Gayle Benson, the new owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her husband Tom, emphasized Monday she intends to keep both franchises and would "never sell."

"I don't think there's any other choice," Benson said, according to Larry Holder of The Times-Picayune. "I think that's the only thing that you could do is to keep his legacy alive. Where else would you go? I'm from New Orleans. My husband was from New Orleans. We're just like one big family over there."

Benson also expressed her frustrations with those who believe she isn't up to the task of running two major sports teams.

"It's disappointing to think that somebody would think I would mess up his legacy. But I guess everyone has their opinion," Benson said. "I would never sell it. No."

While Benson says she will rely on the strong leaders of both organizations, she won't shy away from taking control of tough situations.

"I think I can make difficult decisions," she said. "In fact, I know I can. I think I'll be fine with that."