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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson's decision in December to cut-off his heirs and move money out of a Texas trust fund gave a San Antonio judge legitimate reason to remove the 87-year-old from control over the fund, a Texas appeals court ruled Wednesday (Sept. 9).

For now, court-appointed receivers Phil Hardberger, former mayor of San Antonio, and Art Bayern, an estate lawyer, will remain in control of the fund, which owns stakes in Lone Star Capital Bank, San Antonio area car dealerships and real estate.

The assets are part of Benson's fortune at dispute in a family feud with his daughter, Renee Benson, and grandchildren Rita and Ryan LeBlanc.



Renee Benson, a beneficiary of the Texas trust, wants to permanently replace her father as trustee, arguing he has mismanaged assets and is in declining health. The receivers were picked by Bexar County Probate Judge Tom Rickhoff after a hearing in February.

Lawyers for Tom Benson argued that Rickhoff's removal of Benson amounted to an "abuse of discretion" in appealing the decision.

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Rugby Saint II

This could be a very good soap opera.

NOLA54

She may try to move the team to San Antonio.

The Dude

First off nobody should be able to take an old mans money away from him or stop him from doing what he wants with it. Wrong or right it is his money.
That being said.... with the way the FO has HORRIBLY and foolishly spent his money I do have serious doubts as to his mental state. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Rita took Benson and Loomis aside and offered "favors" to them if they make Benson look like an idiot. Something is up and I have a bad feeling that the demise of this team may be on the horizon.

hagan714

appeals and more appeals. by the time this is done there will be a few new millionaire lawyers in texas.

WillSaints81

Are you talking about Gail or Rita?

QBREES9

To much Drama.

jnormand

Divorce is a *****. Been there. Done that. Of course I didn't have millions of dollars either. But I did walk away with what mattered most....split custody of my kids, my truck, my dog and my BBQ...and some clothes.

QBREES9

jnormand, you made it out to the other side. I hope everything worked out for you.

RailBoss

Seem's like with all this stress and drama they are trying to push Mr. Benson closer to the light. Kind of a shame they didn't wait a few years and let the Old Man go out peacefully.