Fansided

New Orleans Saints players shocked over ownership feud

By CM Towle

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints owners Tom Benson, center, his wife Gayle Benson, left, and his daughter Rita Benson LeBlanc, right, on the sidelines before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints owners Tom Benson, center, his wife Gayle Benson, left, and his daughter Rita Benson LeBlanc, right, on the sidelines before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Orleans Saints players were all stunned by the news of team owner Tom Benson changing his will to put control of his assets in the hands of his current wife.

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Saints owner Tom Benson recently decided to take control of his assets away from his daughter and granddaughter and transfer them over to his current wife. That means that control of the NFL Saints, as well as the NBA Pelicans, will go to his current wife, Gayle Benson, when Tom Benson dies.

Previously, ownership would have transferred to his daughter Renee Benson, from a prior marriage, and grandchildren Rita Benson LeBlanc and Ryan LeBlanc.

Per ProFootbalTalk.com:

"“I have had time to reflect and figure out if we have the ownership succession plan correct after I die,” Benson, 87, said in comments released by the team.  “And you know, my wife Gayle is my family too and a very important part of my life.  You just know when the time is at hand to start to really think this through and make sure you have everything covered.”"

Naturally this has led to a lawsuit from the daughter and grandchildren, alleging that Gayle is manipulating Tom Benson and that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. A statement from Benson says he’s fine and knows exactly what he’s doing.

As for the Saints players, they weren’t even aware it was going on until the squabble started appearing in the news. However, in a plot twist, they have nothing but good things to say about Gayle Benson.

“I absolutely love Gayle, I think she’s one of the sweetest people,” quarterback Drew Brees said. “I know she’s one of our biggest fans. Her presence at practice with Tom … and the way she treats the wives and the players, she’s first class. She’s been great.”

Tight end Jimmy Graham voiced similar sentiments, talking about how Gayle Benson always attends practice and emulates everything her husband wants to do for the franchise. He further added he would be excited for her to take over if it came to that. Graham stopped short of giving his opinion on the squabble, saying it was none of his business.

Problems between Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc have been public for years. She has been known for her abrasive management and went through 30 assistants in six years, eventually being put on leave in 2012. Coach Sean Payton has been known to want GM Mickey Loomis between himself and Rita Benson LeBlanc, even trying to get a clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away if Loomis was fired or otherwise left.

[H/T: PFT]

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