SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Lawyers for New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson say they will appeal a decision to appoint two individuals to oversee a trust holding assets for him in San Antonio.
The appointment comes in the middle of lawsuits filed in Texas and New Orleans seeking control over Benson's financial empire.
According to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune’s Katherine Sayre, Bexar County Probate Judge Tom Rickhoff said in an order, “It is obvious that the trustee is facing the pressures of the overreaching expectations of sports fans, the media's scrutiny, an interdiction contest with the beneficiary, a potential dispute over related trusts with huge assets as well as a likely pre-death will contest. Even this revered trustee is mortal and no court should be complicit in allowing him more than he can bear if a reasonable and safe alternative is found to 'assist' him.”
The San Antonio Express-News’ Patrick Danner reports Monday former Mayor Phil Hardberger and estate planning lawyer Art Bayern have been appointed as co-receivers of the trust.
The trust in the San Antonio area includes auto dealerships, a bank and ranch property.
The Texas lawsuit does not involve the pro teams in Louisiana, but is part of the dispute that has publicly erupted in the past month between Benson and close family members.
According to The New Orleans Advocate’s Ramon Antonio Vargas and Jaquetta White, a hearing will be held today in New Orleans where Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese will hear 2 oral arguments.
The first will be a motion from Benson arguing the lawsuit he’s facing regarding the state of his mental capacity does not have legal basis. The second motion, initiated by his heirs, will argue Benson’s mental capacity is in question and he needs to get a psychiatric assessment.
