Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

The last time Renee Benson saw her father, Saints owner Tom Benson, she remembers him sitting in his New Orleans house in his pajamas, unshaven, trying to eat lunch but struggling to get the meat off of a crab claw.

Renee Benson testified Wednesday that one day earlier, her father had begged her to visit from San Antonio. But, she said, her stepmother called to interrupt the Dec. 2 visit and screamed at her husband to stop talking to Renee. He left the room a few minutes later.

Three weeks later, Renee Benson got a letter signed by her father, saying he wanted no further contact with her or her children, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc. He later announced he intends to leave full ownership and control of the Saints and Pelicans franchises to his wife of 10 years, Gayle Benson, rather than the three heirs, as was long expected.

"I really want to tell him that I love him very much, and I really want some quality time with him, talk about old times," Benson said in a San Antonio courtroom. "I think it's time to pass the baton. I think it's time."

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Benson testified in the first day of a two-day hearing in Bexar County Probate Court over whether Tom Benson should be restricted from overseeing the assets in a trust that holds a portion of the billionaire's wealth, including auto-dealerships, a Texas bank and real estate.

Tom Benson's lawyers attacked the portrayal of the billionaire on Renee's Dec. 2 visit, arguing that he had six surgeries on his knee over seven months while fighting infections and was simply taking a recovery day.

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Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

But, she said, her stepmother called to interrupt the Dec. 2 visit and screamed at her husband to stop talking to Renee. He left the room a few minutes later.

Tom Benson's lawyers attacked the portrayal of the billionaire on Renee's Dec. 2 visit, arguing that he had six surgeries on his knee over seven months while fighting infections and was simply taking a recovery day

ok even the lawyers are getting stupid here. stop eating crab, talking and visiting because of your knee?

sorry who else think this will get even lower?

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Its about money. There is no morality when people are fighting for money. Humans can be barbaric.

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

This doesnt look good for Benson. He could have pretty much put a squash on the whole thing if he showed up. It is pretty low that Renee had to bring in the former mayor of San Antonio, who was the one trying to lure the Saints to SA to be a part of the proceedings. I think we can all guess whats going to happen if Renee gets control.

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

What a mess.

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Were talking about an unimaginable amount of money and power here.
You ain't seen nothing yet this will become far worse than ugly. You can almost here the skeletons rattling in the closet because you all know they are all coming out.

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

That woman will absolutely destroy this team. Why should she get control? If the saints leave the city that would be disastrous for the city and its economy.

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Ex mayor of San Antonio,nothing like a conflict of interests there
Shows whats the plan on one side of the family

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

What a mess, it's a shame

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Very SAD!

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

At least the inheritance I leave will be small and maybe everyone can be cordial. :wink:

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

especially after the taxes. up to what 50% now?

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

I think you have to meet a certain threshold though ... the reason I'm not sure is because in all likelihood, me or anyone I know won't be crossing it so I don't worry about it, :lol:.

Why don't the Saints do what the Packers did? If there's any baton-passing needed to go on, pass it to the fans ... incorporate, become a non-profit, community-owned team and sell stock ... tell me WhoDat's wouldn't line up for a piece of that action, eh? :)

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Re: Tom Benson family feud: Renee Benson testifies that 'it's time to pass the baton'
 

Don't think this won't affect the team next season. I think Brees and Payton will actually intervene if Renee wins.