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Gayle Benson

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Gayle Marie Benson
Born
Gayle Marie LaJaunie

(1947-01-26) January 26, 1947 (age 77)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation(s)Businesswoman and sports franchise owner
Years active
Known forPrincipal owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans
Spouses
​
​
(m. 2004; died 2018)​
Thomas "T-Bird" Bird
​
​
(divorced, annulled 1986)​
[1]
Children3 (2 deceased)[2]
Parents
  • Francis J. LaJaunie (January 5, 1924–July 18, 2010)
  • Marie Folse LaJaunie (1924-May 30, 2010)[3][4]

Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson (born January 26, 1947) is an heir to the estate of Tom Benson and his widow.[5] She became an American billionaire, businesswoman, philanthropist, and sports franchise owner after the death of her husband, Tom Benson. She inherited from Tom Benson two sports franchises and is the owner of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[6][7][8]

Personal life

Gayle Benson was born Gayle Marie LaJaunie.[9] She "grew up in Algiers, New Orleans; attended St. Joseph, St. Anthony and Holy Name of Mary schools; and graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1966."[9] She has been married three times. The first marriage "happened when she was 19 and ended in both a divorce and annulment the following year."[9] The second marriage was a result of befriending "two young children whose mother 'was on drugs' and whose father was just as troubled, and she ended up marrying" their father, Thomas "T-Bird" Bird.[1][9][10] Thomas Bird is a former New Orleans Police Officer and Investigator for Harry Connick Sr., former District Attorney for New Orleans, a developer, contractor, and movie producer.[11][12][13][14][15] She describes the second marriage as "miserable" and said "she divorced the man after his children were grown."[9]

When Gayle first met Tom Benson, she admits the only reason she was interested in meeting him was to get a donation for a church.[16][17] She first met Tom Benson at St. Louis Cathedral after she participated in a mass in memory of his late wife, Grace Marie Trudeau Benson, who died on November 17, 2003.[18][19][20] The engagement to Tom Benson was announced on September 23, 2004, and on October 29, 2004, Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird married Tom Benson in San Antonio at the Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel.[21][22][23] On October 22, 2014, Gayle Benson and Tom Benson, commemorated their tenth anniversary by renewing their wedding vows at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.[24][25][26]

Professional

Gayle Bird Interiors Ltd.

Before marrying Tom Benson, Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson "made her living decorating homes and running dental offices" and ran an interior decorating business.[9][27][28] She started working as an interior designer in the 1970s[29] and "struggled in business, especially when she ran a business that restored antiques and decorated the inside of homes, commercial buildings and yachts."[30][31] She was frequently sued[32][33] and was arrested and charged with theft of furniture from one client. The district attorney decided not to prosecute.[34][35] In the first ten years, Gayle and her then-husband Thomas Bird, renovated one hundred properties.[36] "Prior to meeting Tom Benson, Gayle was in significant debt."[37][38] She was financially unstable "with one bank beginning foreclosure proceedings on her then-Uptown home. She had both state and federal tax liens against her business for failure to pay taxes."[34][39]

New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans

On December 27, 2014, Tom Benson wrote an e-mail to his daughter and two grandchildren stating he wanted "no further contact with any of you." Gayle Benson, at the time his wife of ten years, was named his heir.[40][41] After lawsuits were filed in both federal and state courts, Tom Benson was determined to be mentally competent and was allowed to change his estate and leave his third wife, Gayle Benson, ownership of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans.[42][43][44] Benson's daughter, Renee Benson, and his grandchildren, Rita Benson LeBlanc and Ryan Benson LeBlanc filed lawsuits challenging Tom Benson's decision to name Gayle heir to the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. The lawsuit and media portrayed Gayle as a "gold-digger."[38] While the estate and Tom Benson's mental competency was being challenged,[45][46][47] Rodney Henry, former personal assistant to Tom Benson, filed a lawsuit accusing the New Orleans Saints and Gayle Benson of racism and violations of federal labor laws. The lawsuit claimed that Gayle Benson had treated him with disrespect because of his race.[48][49][50] An NFL arbitrator ruled in favor of Henry and against the Saints on the labor complaint, awarding him overtime pay, a contractual payout for his dismissal, and attorney's fees. The arbitrator ruled against Henry on the claims of racism.[51][52][53] She became the owner of both the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans following the death of her husband, Tom Benson.[54][55][56]

Dixie Brewing Company, LLC

Dixie Brewing Company is a Limited Liability Company incorporated in State of Delaware. The Dixie Brewing Company was originally organized in the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, in 1906.[57] In July of 2017, it was announced that Tom Benson and his wife, Gayle Benson, "finalized an agreement to buy a majority share of Dixie Brewing Co., the century-old New Orleans beer brand."[58] On August 7, 2018, Gayle Benson announced, with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, that Dixie Brewery would be opening a distribution Center at the old MaFrugal's Distribution Center in New Orleans East. Tom and Gayle Benson acquired the locally owned Dixie Brewing from the Bruno family in 2017.[59]

Philanthropy

Benson and her family long have been ardent supporters of University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.The Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium officially opened on campus September 1, 2008, when the Bensons joined with more than 2,000 Cardinals fans and athletes to declare the facility ready for action.The stadium is wide enough and long enough that the Cardinals soccer teams, men's and women's, have begun playing their games here.

In January 2012, Benson and her husband were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for their generosity to Catholic Church, the highest papal honor that Catholic laypeople can receive.[60][61]

In November 2012 Gayle Benson and her husband, Tom, donated $7.5 million towards the construction of Tulane University's Yulman Stadium.[62] The stadium, which opened in 2014, brought the Green Wave back to campus for the first time since the demolition of Tulane Stadium in 1980. The playing surface is known as Benson Field.[63][64]

In 2015 the Benson family gave $20 million for cancer care and research.[65][66]

Awards and honors


References

  1. ^ a b Vargas, Ramon (February 3, 2015). "New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner, 87, sued by daughter and grandchildren after turning over control of his billion-dollar sports empire to third wife who, they claim, has poisoned him against family". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Tom Benson & family". Forbes. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Marie LaJaunie, Benson's mom-in-law". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. June 1, 2010. p. B3. Marie LaJaunie, the mother-in-law of New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, died Sunday at her New Orleans home. She was 85. Her daughter Gayle, who married Benson in October 2004, said Mrs. LaJaunie was "dedicated to children and children's causes." "She had a passion for life," Tom Benson said. "She lived a full life, and she will be sorely missed by us all." A lifelong New Orleanian who grew up in Algiers, Mrs. LaJaunie met Francis LaJaunie, the man she would marry, when they attended Adolph Meyer Elementary School. She had to withdraw before high school because her mother had died and she had to raise her younger brother and sister. When her daughter Gayle had an interior-design firm, Mrs. LaJaunie helped her run the business side of the enterprise, and she assisted in designing and scheduling. Survivors include her husband, Francis LaJaunie; a son, Wayne LaJaunie; two daughters, Gayle Benson and Brenda LaJaunie; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral and burial will be private.
  4. ^ "Funeral Notice - LaJaunie". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. June 4, 2010. Marie Folse LaJaunie passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010 under the care of hospice at Chateau Living Center in Kenner, LA at the age of 85. She is survived by her husband Francis LaJaunie; three children; Gayle Benson, Wayne LaJaunie, and Brenda (Bee) LaJaunie Ernst; four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Marie was a devout Catholic with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Marie was an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary for eight years. She was a parishioner of Divine Mercy in Kenner, LA. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. until service time. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to a hospice of your choice or masses preferred. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
  5. ^ Gill, James (August 2, 2018). "James Gill: Behind the scenes of the Benson family dispute over who would get the money". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  6. ^ "Tom Benson's will names Gayle Benson as sole beneficiary, leaves estranged family out". The Times-Picayune. March 17, 2018. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  7. ^ Allee-Walsh, Brian (June 1, 2018). "First Lady of Sports in New Orleans making her presence felt early and often". SunHerald. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  8. ^ "Gayle Benson becomes Saints, Pelicans owner". ProFootballTalk - NBC Sports. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Vargas, Ramon (March 15, 2018). "Plan is for Gayle Benson to succeed Tom Benson as Saints, Pelicans owner". The New Orleans Advocate. New Orleans. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  10. ^ Vargas, Ramon (May 26, 2015). "Gayle Benson tells graduates that life will always be difficult — but it's manageable with a steady faith". The New Orleans Advocate. New Orleans. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  11. ^ "Police Reports: Motorist Arrested in Tow Truck Dispute". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. May 3, 1968. p. 25, § 3. Police mechanic Thomas Bird, 22, had ticketed the car and was preparing to tow it away when the arrested man *** walked up and pushed him away, according to police.
  12. ^ "29 Are Arrested On Drug Charges". The States-Item Advocate. New Orleans. June 29, 1971. p. 8. Patrolmen Clarence Herkender and Thomas Bird of the tactical unit arrested...
  13. ^ Katz, Allan (March 29, 1974). "Connick names 50 aides; 15 served with Garrison". The States-Item. New Orleans. p. A2. Investigator ... Thomas Bird ...
  14. ^ Anderson, Ed (December 30, 1975). "Clerk Suspends Employe in Bribery Case". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. p. 1. After Boyd accepted the money, he called into his office DA Investigator Thomas Bird to arrest the woman. If convicted on the charges, *** faces a maximum jail term of five years or a $1,000 fine.
  15. ^ "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam, Addressed To The Heart of America". The Times-Picayune: Lagniappe. New Orleans. September 16, 1988. p. 27. Edited by Stepehn Stept. Original Music Composed by Todd Boekelheide. Screenplay by Richard Dewhurst & Bill Couturie. Produced by Bill Couturie and Thomas Bird. Directed by Bill Couturie.
  16. ^ Langenhennig, Susan (October 25, 2014). "Saintly splendor - A historic mansion becomes a regal haven for Gayle Benson and her husband, Tom - Calling the plays Gayle Benson draws from her own playbook to renovate the Bensons' Uptown mansion". The Times-Picayune. p. A12. When I met him in church, the only thing I was interested in was getting a donation for the cathedral.
  17. ^ Benson, Gayle (October 2, 2013). "Angela Hill One on One with Gayle Benson" (Interview). Interviewed by Angela Hill. New Orleans: WWL Radio. Retrieved October 2, 2013. And offering me tickets to the arena football game. And then he -- did you know what arena football was? No, I really didn't. And the Monsignor had called me and said you know Tom Benson is looking for your phone number do you mind if I give it out? I said 'Why would he call me?' He said 'he wants to give you some tickets to the game.' And I said 'well you know I am really not a football person so I am really not interested in getting tickets for a game.' He said 'you know Gayle we are working on that roof and you are trying to raise money, you might want to go.'
  18. ^ Benson, Gayle (October 2, 2013). "Angela Hill One on One with Gayle Benson" (Interview). Interviewed by Angela Hill. New Orleans: WWL Radio. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  19. ^ Langenhennig, Susan (October 22, 2014). "At home with Tom and Gayle Benson: A historic mansion becomes a regal home for the New Orleans Saints owner". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  20. ^ "Saints owner Benson's wife, Grace, dies". The Baton Rouge Advocate. November 19, 2003.
  21. ^ Cooper, Tim (October 28, 2004). "Second Thoughts". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock. p. 24.
  22. ^ "Sport Check". The Sun Herald. Biloxi, MS. October 22, 2004. p. D2.
  23. ^ Farmer, Sam (February 2, 2005). "Champs Demand Respect". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles. Retrieved February 2, 2005.
  24. ^ Wing, Tyler (October 22, 2014). "Tom and Gayle Benson say, "I do" Again!". ABC WGNO. New Orleans. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  25. ^ Strachan, Sue (October 23, 2014). "Gayle and Tom Benson renew their wedding vows in celebration of their 10th anniversary". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  26. ^ "Ten Years Later, Saints Owners Tom and Gayle Benson say "I Do" Again". Fox Sports. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  27. ^ Vargas, Ramon (March 15, 2018). "Plan is for Gayle Benson to succeed Tom Benson as Saints, Pelicans owner". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  28. ^ Wright, Jasmine (July 3, 2015). "'When your family attacks you, it's kind of hard to take': Aging New Orleans Saint's owner and billionaire Tom Benson, 87, speaks out after cutting his family from $1.9 billion fortune". ethiogrio.com. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  29. ^ "Gayle Benson - Forbes". Forbes. May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  30. ^ Vargas, Ramon (February 3, 2015). "New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner, 87, sued by daughter and grandchildren after turning over control of his billion-dollar sports empire to third wife who, they claim, has poisoned him against family". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  31. ^ Hendricks, David (February 12, 2015). "Gayle Benson's past now in the spotlight". expressnews.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  32. ^ "Will Gayle Benson be haunted by her past?". The Independent. January 27, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  33. ^ Slese, April (January 27, 2015). "A Compendium of Gayle Benson's Interior Design Advice". Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  34. ^ a b "Saints owner Tom Benson fires back at family". USA Today. January 27, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  35. ^ Vargas, Ramon (February 1, 2015). "Future Saints, Pelicans owner Gayle Benson's 18 lawsuits might raise eyebrows among NFL, NBA". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved June 26, 2018. Police arrested her and booked her with theft over $500. The Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to prosecute Benson.
  36. ^ Roniger, Marjorie (June 22, 1985). "Decorator lives in showcase, will see home after renovation". The Times-Picayune/The States-Item. p. 20. 'We have renovated over 100 properties and in the past 10 years we lived in five houses.' interior designer Gayle Bird said. 'We will sell this one too when it's finished,' she added referring to her 1819 Victorian home at 1702 Valance St. in Uptown New Orleans. It was gutted and renovated in the past year, by Bird and her husband, Thomas Bird.
  37. ^ "Rita Benson LeBlanc, Family Files Lawsuit, Claims Tom Benson Being Manipulated". ABC KATC. Lafayette, LA. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  38. ^ a b Hiatt, Gabe (January 22, 2015). "Spurned daughter, grandchildren sue Saints owner for writing them out of will". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  39. ^ "Attorney fires back at Saints/Pels owner's heirs". WWL-TV. New Orleans. January 28, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2015. Gayle Bird, her previous married name, was on financially shaky ground at one point, with one bank beginning foreclosure proceedings on her then-Uptown home. She had both state and federal tax liens against her business for failure to pay taxes. All of her debts have since been settled.
  40. ^ "Saints owner suddenly spikes grandchildren, hands team to wife". New York Post. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  41. ^ Zurik, Lee (January 23, 2015). "Benson family drama, told in letters and court filings". FOX WVUE. New Orleans. Retrieved January 23, 2015. During the over 80 years of my life, I have built a rather large estate which was intended to mainly be for you all as my family. Suddenly after I remarried you all became offensive and did not act in an appropriate manner and even had arguments among yourselves which created a very unpleasant family situation which I will not stand for. It made me very unhappy and uncomfortable. This situation cannot continue at my age. Because of the facts set out above and the heart break you have caused me I want no further contact with any of you and you will not be allowed to enter the Saint's facilities or games, the Basketball facilities or Pelicans games, the Benson Towers, the T.V. facilities or the automotive facilities in New Orleans and will have no right to give directions, orders or hire or fire any of the personnel.
  42. ^ Vargas, Ramon (July 27, 2018). "Outbursts in court, secret recordings, more: Inside look at Tom Benson family's legal battle". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  43. ^ Ley, Tom (January 23, 2015). "Suit: Saints Owner Tom Benson Is Being Manipulated By His Scheming Wife". deadspin.com. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  44. ^ "Benson: Estranged heirs tried to kill me 'for one thing'". NBC WDSU. New Orleans. May 21, 2016. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  45. ^ Gatto, Matt (June 29, 2016). "Gayle Benson testifies in husband's competency hearing". NBC WFIE. Evansville, IN. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  46. ^ "Tom Benson's kin testify in Saints and Pelicans owner's competency case". ESPN. June 2, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  47. ^ "UPDATE: Judge Orders Tom Benson to Undergo Mental Evaluation". Fox News. January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  48. ^ Vargas, Ramon Antonio (2016-01-22). "Lawsuit: Ex-Tom Benson assistant claims he was racially harassed by wife Gayle, treated 'with disdain and disrespect'". The Advocate. Retrieved 2018-08-07.
  49. ^ "NFL/NBA now have a Donald Sterling problem with Gayle Benson". saintsreport.com. January 19, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  50. ^ Putterman, Alex (January 20, 2016). "Ex-assistant alleges racist comments by Saints owner's wife". MSN. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  51. ^ "Saints must pay $384K to fired assistant of late owner Tom Benson". USA Today. July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  52. ^ Vargas, Ramon (July 26, 2018). "New Orleans Saints ordered to cough up $400K in dispute with Tom Benson's former personal aide". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  53. ^ Triplett, Mike (July 26, 2018). "Saints ordered to pay $400,000 to former assistant of Tom Benson". ESPN. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  54. ^ Finney, Peter (March 16, 2018). "New Orleans Saints' first lady Gayle Benson has come a long way as a fan". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  55. ^ LaRose, Greg (February 3, 2017). "Tom Benson settles lawsuit with heirs over Saints, Pelicans ownership". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  56. ^ "Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints". Sports Illustrated. July 18, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  57. ^ "New Brewery To Be Erected: Dixie Brewing Co. Organizes". The New Orleans Item. New Orleans. January 25, 1906. p. 2. With the object of brewing bottling and disposing of larger beer the Dixie Brewing Company has been formed and will erect a brewery in this city. The company is capitalized at $160,000. The capital stock is divided into 3200 shares, with a par value of $50 each. The Board of Directors of the new organization is composed of Val Merz, president; John W. Boebinger, vice president; Henry Worner, secretary-treasurer; Gaspar G. Greco, Vic LeBeau, Gervais Mermier and John T. Holmes, each holding 25 shares of capital stock.
  58. ^ Vargas, Ramon (July 27, 2017). "Tom, Gayle Benson finalize deal to buy majority of Dixie Brewing Co., build new brewery". Sun Herald. Biloxi, MS.
  59. ^ Thompson, Richard (August 7, 2018). "Dixie returns: New Orleans brewery to be built at site of former MacFrugal's building". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  60. ^ The Times-Picayune: "Tom and Gayle Benson receive highest papal honor for their generosity to Catholic Church" by John Pope January 19, 2012
  61. ^ Goldstein, Richard (March 15, 2018). "Tom Benson, Tycoon Who Danced With His Saints, Dies at 90". The New York Times. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  62. ^ Strecker, Mike (November 1, 2012). "Tulane names new football venue Yulman Stadium". Tulane University New Wave. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
  63. ^ Tulane's field to be named for Benson – San Antonio Express-News. Mysanantonio.com (2012-11-02). Retrieved on 2013-07-29.
  64. ^ "Tulane stadium, field, club seats to honor donors". NBC WDSU. New Orleans. January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  65. ^ Center, Foundation. "Gayle and Tom Benson Give $20 Million for Cancer Care, Research". philanthropynewsdigest.org. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  66. ^ Ahmed, Michael (November 10, 2015). "Benson family donates historic $20 million to Ochsner Cancer Institute". ABC WGNO. New Orleans. Retrieved November 10, 2015.

References Continued

  1. ^ Vargas, Ramon (February 1, 2015). "Future Saints, Pelicans owner Gayle Benson's 18 lawsuits might raise eyebrows among NFL, NBA". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. Retrieved June 26, 2018. Police arrested her and booked her with theft over $500. The Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to prosecute Benson.
    • "Sale by Civil Sheriff bearing Municipal No. 1921 Prytania Street". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. May 16, 1988. p. E17. Gulf Federal Savings and Loan Association versus Gayle Lajaunie Bird, Thomas S. Bird, Donna Coggins Lissard, Eugene J. Lissard, Grace Durham Davis, John R. Davis and Bird Construction and Development Company, Inc. Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, 87-22566.
    • "First City Court, New Orleans, Lawsuits, Jeanne S. Duhe (CPA) vs. Gayle Bird". The Times-Picayune. June 30, 1988. p. G14.
    • Consolidated Freightways v. Gayle Bird, 626 So.2d 445, 447 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1993) ("We therefore affirm the judgment in favor of Consolidated Freightways for $1,689.67 plus costs.").
    • Vargas, Ramon (January 27, 2015). "Previous lawsuits could be flags in vetting *** Gayle Benson faced claims from '87 to '00". The New Orleans Advocate. p. 1A.
  2. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (January 22, 2015). "Spurned daughter, grandchildren sue Saints owner for writing them out of will". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
    • "Report: TX judge freezes large chunk of Benson assets". FOX WVUE. New Orleans. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015. The suit attempts to paint Gayle Benson as a gold digger who is trying to take advantage of the Saints owner's health.
    • Duncan, Jeff (January 23, 2015). "Lawsuit Claims Tom Is Confused, Gayle Is In Over Her Head". Times-Picayune. p. A1. The suit portrays Gayle Benson, 67, as a gold-digging opportunist who has taken advantage of her husband's unfit state of health and ostracized family members in grasping for power and riches. *** Meanwhile, a Texas judge ordered a temporary freeze on the money and assets in a trust controlled by Tom Benson, an order requested by his daughter, Renee Benson. The temporary restraining order, signed by Judge Thomas Rickhoff of Bexar County on Wednesday, prevents Benson from withdrawing, transferring or otherwise diminishing the value of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust. Shirley L. Benson was Benson's first wife. Gayle, Benson's third wife, was preceded by Grace. The 27-page petition reveals a series of incidents Renee, Rita and Ryan claim illustrate Tom Benson's deteriorating mental and physical health. Among them: He has been heavily medicated in the past year and has 'acknowledged on occasions that he does not know his age, where he is, what day of the week it is, nor what the date is.' His mental acuity and memory have declined so much that 'on at least one occasion (he) failed to recognize his daughter, Renee,' and 'failed to remember or commemorate her birthday.' Further, it claims he recently was asked to name the current president of the United States and replied Ronald Reagan, then guessed Harry Truman on his second attempt. His diet has diminished to the point that he rarely consumes full meals and subsists mainly on 'candy, ice cream, sodas and red wine.'
    • "UPDATE: Judge Orders Tom Benson to Undergo Mental Evaluation". NBC KTVE. El Dorado, Arkansas. January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015. The suit attempts to paint Gayle Benson as a gold digger who is trying to take advantage of the Saints owner's health. It asks the court to appoint Renee Benson as executor of Tom Benson's sports and business empire with Rita Leblanc taking a secondary position.
    • "But we do we begin this half hour with a family inheritance battle now gone public". Today Show (Interview). New York: NBC. January 24, 2015. But we do we begin this half hour with a family inheritance battle now gone public. At stake is the ownership of both an NFL and an NBA team. This, after the current owner announced his plans to pass the team down to his current wife rather than on to his family as he'd originally planned. NBC's Janet Shamlian has more. *** It's a family feud with ownership of the New Orleans Saints hanging in the balance. *** Family members of eighty-seven-year-old current owner Tom Benson say he is incompetent. The claim coming in a lawsuit filed one day after Benson unexpectedly announced a change in the Saints' future ownership. Now saying the team will go to his third wife, Gayle Benson instead of his family. They released this statement: 'Sadly, the Benson family was forced to take this action in the best interest of Tom Benson and his legacy...and the multitude of Pelicans and Saints fans.' Benson also owns the NBA Pelicans team. The suit portrays sixty-seven-year-old Gayle Benson as a manipulative gold digger, capitalizing on her husband's failing health, claiming she keeps him heavily medicated, away from his family and has been feeding him a bizarre diet of candy, ice cream, sodas and red wine.
    • "Tom Benson deserves better than this squabble". dailyadvertiser.com. January 25, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015. Gayle Benson, as wife No. 3, is cast in the stereotypical role of gold digger out to alienate the aging father from his children and seize the riches for herself.
    • Sherwell, Philip (January 30, 2015). "The extraordinary family battle for control of New Orleans Saints and a $2 billion fortune: Self-made billionaire Tom Benson and his third wife are waging an ugly courtroom fight with the daughter and grandchildren whom he once anointed as his heirs". Telegraph. London. Retrieved January 30, 2015. Allies of "three Rs" have in turn depicted Mr Benson's third wife as a profligate and domineering gold-digger.
    • Belson, Ken (March 6, 2015). "Saints' Owner Marches Out of Step With His Heirs' Expectations". The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2015. Is Mr. Benson feeble or frail? Is Gayle Benson a gold digger or his protector? Are his daughter and grandchildren spoiled or spurned?
    • "Tom Benson reaches settlement with family over Saints, Pelicans discord". Yahoo! Sports. June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016. Benson had disowned his familial heirs, who had portrayed 67-year-old Gayle Benson as an opportunistic gold digger after marrying her father in 2004 a year after his previous wife, Grace, died of Parkinson's disease.
  3. ^ Gatto, Matt (June 29, 2016). "Gayle Benson testifies in husband's competency hearing". NBC WFIE. Evansville, IN. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  4. ^ Vargas, Ramon Antonio (January 22, 2016). "Lawsuit: Ex-Tom Benson assistant claims he was racially harassed by wife Gayle, treated 'with disdain and disrespect'". The Advocate. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  5. ^ "Saints must pay $384K to fired assistant of late owner Tom Benson". USA Today. July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
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