Tom Benson speaks publicly for 1st time since changing succession plan

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson spoke publicly for the first time since changing the successor of his two franchises from his granddaughter to his wife. 

In the event of Benson's death, his wife Gayle would inherit both professional clubs. Benson's adopted granddaughter, Rita Benson LeBlanc, was the heir to both clubs, before her grandfather transferred ownership rights on Jan. 21, spurring a nasty lawsuit from multiple family members. 

Renee Benson, Rita's mother and the elderly Benson's daughter, joined a lawsuit with her daughter alleging that Tom was mentally unfit to make such a momentous decision. 

Benson spoke for the first time on Tuesday about the series of events that has divided his family into two contentious, embattled parties. 

"We got married about 10 years ago and before that she was in business," Benson said of his wife, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "So it's nothing new to her. It's not like somebody who was never in business. She knows the difference. You've got to make a profit against a loss. And you got to have a good relationship with the media, too."

Benson said his wife has taken a strong interest in both clubs and would be prepared to run the franchises in the event of his death. Benson turns 88 in July. 

"She's been very active with us now. It wasn't planned that way, but things happened," Benson said. "We've got to get her prepared so she can take my place someday. But not too soon, though."

Benson spoke about the Saints' busy offseason, saying that general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton continue to see eye-to-eye on football operations. 

Nevertheless, the succession plan for the two major franchises continues to be a hotly disputed affair, especially in light of Benson's very public defense of the change made.