Saints owner Tom Benson will not testify in battle over control of trust

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson will not testify at a hearing to determine whether he is still capable of controlling "a trust holding his car dealerships, a family ranch and central Texas real estate, his attorney said Thursday."

Benson has left San Antonio, where the hearing is being held, and returned to New Orleans, his attorney Phil Wittmann said, according toThe Times-Picayune.

Benson said last month that his wife of 10 years, Gayle, would assume control of his businesses after his death. Originally, Benson had intended to transfer ownership to his granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc. Benson LeBlanc had been a board member of Benson's businesses but would not be involved in their operation under the new plan.

Benson LeBlanc, along with other members of the Benson family, responded with a lawsuit filed on Jan. 22, claiming her grandfather is incapable of making such a decision. Benson dismissed the claims of the suit as "completely meritless."

Benson's business holdings include the Saints, the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, several car dealerships and real estate in Texas.

- Dan Gartland