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- Sep 30, 2011
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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson turned to his right-hand man Friday (June 5) as the 87-year-old billionaire defends himself against claims that he in no longer fit to run his business empire.
Team executive Dennis Lauscha was the first witness called by Benson's legal team, as the competency hearings that could determine control of New Orleans two major pro sports franchises ended its first week. Lauscha declined comment as he left the courthouse after spending about four hours on the stand.
....Benson's relatives describe a darker side to the growth of Lauscha's influence in the Benson organization. In January, Benson announced he planned to turn over ownership of the teams — assets that comprise the bulk of his estimated $1.7 billion net worth -- to his third wife, Gayle.
The lawsuit called the move the culmination of a "coup" by Gayle Benson and a close cadre of team executives, to keep the Benson from following through on his long-announced plans to leave Louisiana's two major pro franchises to his daughter and grandchildren.
Two weeks before he publicly announced his new succession plan, Benson granted power of attorney over his business affairs Lauscha and Gayle Benson. Gayle Benson was granted medical power of attorney.
Saints owner Tom Benson s competency trial ends first week NOLA.com
This one is going to be messy.
Team executive Dennis Lauscha was the first witness called by Benson's legal team, as the competency hearings that could determine control of New Orleans two major pro sports franchises ended its first week. Lauscha declined comment as he left the courthouse after spending about four hours on the stand.
....Benson's relatives describe a darker side to the growth of Lauscha's influence in the Benson organization. In January, Benson announced he planned to turn over ownership of the teams — assets that comprise the bulk of his estimated $1.7 billion net worth -- to his third wife, Gayle.
The lawsuit called the move the culmination of a "coup" by Gayle Benson and a close cadre of team executives, to keep the Benson from following through on his long-announced plans to leave Louisiana's two major pro franchises to his daughter and grandchildren.
Two weeks before he publicly announced his new succession plan, Benson granted power of attorney over his business affairs Lauscha and Gayle Benson. Gayle Benson was granted medical power of attorney.
Saints owner Tom Benson s competency trial ends first week NOLA.com
This one is going to be messy.
