Saints owner Tom Benson passes

[PromoTheRobot]

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter 6m6 minutes ago

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Adam Schefter Retweeted New Orleans Saints

Saints announce the passing of owner Tom Benson. A sad day the Saints, for New Orleans, for his family and anyone who knew him.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

Condolences to his “family”

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 minute ago, ShadyBillsFan said:

Condolences to his “family”

 

 

....certainly....the family squabbles of his former heirs apparent to have him declared incompetent were vary sad.....RIP Mr. Benson........

[jimmy10]

I hope the future of the Saints in New Orleans is secure. I wouldn’t wish that existential dread we Bills fans dealt with on anyone. 

[aristocrat]

he had a succession plan until a few years ago when he fired his granddaughter from the team and wrote his only child and grandkids out of his will. So looks like the Saints might be up for sale shortly. Two NFC south teams.  

[longtimebillsfan]

13 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter 6m6 minutes ago

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Adam Schefter Retweeted New Orleans Saints

Saints announce the passing of owner Tom Benson. A sad day the Saints, for New Orleans, for his family and anyone who knew him.

RIP Mr. Benson.  He was an Awesome owner.

[Ray Finkel]

I remember him twirling the umbrella in an NFL films video after the Saints won a game.  RIP Mr. Benson.

[CowgirlsFan]

Condolences to one and all.

[H2o]

RIP sir 

[Kirby Jackson]

I just wrote a long piece in the other thread that disappeared. There are a lot of twists and turns coming in the future with this whole situation. I’ve heard that the NBA & NFL aren’t going to approve Gayle and force her to sell. The source is beyond credible (it rhymes with Madam Milver) but it was almost 5 years ago. Things may have changed.

 

There are also rumors that there is already the foundation of an agreement in place with former Pelicans minority owner Gary Chouest for both teams at $2B(ish). I don’t where all that stands. Long story short there are big changes coming.

 

By all accounts, he was a kind-hearted and generous man that grew to love his community. Despite the family squabbling and Benson offered stability in an unstable region. He has done a ton for Southeast Louisiana and will be sorely missed. RIP Mr. B

 

[aristocrat]

6 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I just wrote a long piece in the other thread that disappeared. There are a lot of twists and turns coming in the future with this whole situation. I’ve heard that the NBA & NFL aren’t going to approve Gayle and force her to sell. The source is beyond credible (it rhymes with Madam Milver) but it was almost 5 years ago. Things may have changed.

 

There are also rumors that there is already the foundation of an agreement in place with former Pelicans minority owner Gary Chouest for both teams at $2B(ish). I don’t where all that stands. Long story short there are big changes coming.

 

By all accounts, he was a kind-hearted and generous man that grew to love his community. Despite the family squabbling and Benson offered stability in an unstable region. He has done a ton for Southeast Louisiana and will be sorely missed. RIP Mr. B

 

 

does he still own a piece? i read he owned a piece of the pelicans pre benson but then the team went into bankruptcy and the league sold them to benson. did benson just buy him out?

[Clyde Smith]

Rip Mr. Benson 

[Kirby Jackson]

10 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

 

does he still own a piece? i read he owned a piece of the pelicans pre benson but then the team went into bankruptcy and the league sold them to benson. did benson just buy him out?

Chouest owned like 25% and the majority owner (Shinn) sold to the league when he got sick. That is when I was there. The league had it for about a year and had a handshake agreement in place with Chouest at $318M. They went back to Benson and got $328M and Chouest was beyond pissed. He walked away over it and a year later they were worth about double. Benson owns all of both teams.

 

He still signed off on all expense reports!! Like $40 of expenses came to Benson. 

Edited March 15, 2018 by Kirby Jackson

[ALLEN1QB]

He probably seen all the zeros they were putting on Drew Brees's paycheck

[BillsSbSoon]

25 minutes ago, longtimebillsfan said:

RIP Mr. Benson.  He was an Awesome owner.

He was probably going to move the team had katrina not happened

[boyst]

20 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I just wrote a long piece in the other thread that disappeared. There are a lot of twists and turns coming in the future with this whole situation. I’ve heard that the NBA & NFL aren’t going to approve Gayle and force her to sell. The source is beyond credible (it rhymes with Madam Milver) but it was almost 5 years ago. Things may have changed.

 

There are also rumors that there is already the foundation of an agreement in place with former Pelicans minority owner Gary Chouest for both teams at $2B(ish). I don’t where all that stands. Long story short there are big changes coming.

 

By all accounts, he was a kind-hearted and generous man that grew to love his community. Despite the family squabbling and Benson offered stability in an unstable region. He has done a ton for Southeast Louisiana and will be sorely missed. RIP Mr. B

 

Fadam copperver?   Adalm hilver.

[jimmy10]

4 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

He still signed off on all expense reports!! Like $40 of expenses came to Benson. 

 

Wow. That is an... interesting use of an owner’s time. 

 

I assume Pegual just hands his managers an ink pad and a stamp of his signature with instructions to only bother him when he needs to dig a new well. 

Edited March 15, 2018 by jimmy10

[boyst]

4 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Chouest owned like 25% and the majority owner (Shinn) sold to the league when he got sick. That is when I was there. The league had it for about a year and had a handshake agreement in place with Chouest at $318M. They went back to Benson and got $328M and Chouest was beyond pissed. He walked away over it and a year later they were worth about double. Benson owns all of both teams.

 

He still signed off on all expense reports!! Like $40 of expenses came to Benson. 

This guy sounds like a pretty decent guy.  I didn't know much about him. Read about him as I cooled down working out 

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, Boyst62 said:

Fadam copperver?   Adalm hilver.

 

3 minutes ago, jimmy10 said:

 

Wow. That is an... interesting use of an owner’s time. 

Ha ha, yeah it is ridiculous. I had a friend that got called to the carpet over a $68 lunch with a $24k client. 

[aristocrat]

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Chouest owned like 25% and the majority owner (Shinn) sold to the league when he got sick. That is when I was there. The league had it for about a year and had a handshake agreement in place with Chouest at $318M. They went back to Benson and got $328M and Chouest was beyond pissed. He walked away over it and a year later they were worth about double. Benson owns all of both teams.

 

He still signed off on all expense reports!! Like $40 of expenses came to Benson. 

 

wow. i was just reading that it looks like they are settled now with the estate of the mom so no current lawsuits. curious to see how they will sell them. gonna be close to a 5 billion number i'd venture to guess. 

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, Boyst62 said:

This guy sounds like a pretty decent guy.  I didn't know much about him. Read about him as I cooled down working out 

He really did a lot in the wake of Katrina and with Gleason.

 

He was never beloved because of his threats to move the team. He also held a gun to the state’s head to get inducements that no owner, in any sport has ever gotten. 

 

Benson is a weird case though because I think people grew to appreciate him. It is like Ralph in that sense. He really offered a stability that this area needed.

2 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

 

wow. i was just reading that it looks like they are settled now with the estate of the mom so no current lawsuits. curious to see how they will sell them. gonna be close to a 5 billion number i'd venture to guess. 

It is in the low to mid $2B’s for both teams. I could see it pushing a little higher.

 

Again, they may not force her to sell anymore but she has a sketchy past. Benson met Gayle at a New Orleans Voodoo game about 15 years ago. I think she sang the anthem. The family cleary questioned her intentions. 

 

This story will will be interesting as it unfolds. 

[RocCityRoller]

RIP to a one of a kind owner,

 

A moment to recall the Benson Boogie

great reaction at 1:46

 

 

Edited March 15, 2018 by RocCityRoller

[CommonCents]

NFL network just said Gayle is affirmed by the NFL and NBA.

[aristocrat]

7 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

He really did a lot in the wake of Katrina and with Gleason.

 

He was never beloved because of his threats to move the team. He also held a gun to the state’s head to get inducements that no owner, in any sport has ever gotten. 

 

Benson is a weird case though because I think people grew to appreciate him. It is like Ralph in that sense. He really offered a stability that this area needed.

It is in the low to mid $2B’s for both teams. I could see it pushing a little higher.

 

Again, they may not force her to sell anymore but she has a sketchy past. Benson met Gayle at a New Orleans Voodoo game about 15 years ago. I think she sang the anthem. The family cleary questioned her intentions. 

 

This story will will be interesting as it unfolds. 

 

she was actually approved as the successor back in 2015 so it seems she will be the owner. 

[Beast]

I’ll never forget the umbrella on the sidelines.  

 

God bless.

[BillsPride12]

Didn't know too much about him but I'm glad he got to see the Saints finally win a Super Bowl before his time was up.  RIP

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, aristocrat said:

he had a succession plan until a few years ago when he fired his granddaughter from the team and wrote his only child and grandkids out of his will. So looks like the Saints might be up for sale shortly. Two NFC south teams.  

 

Whoaoa! sounds like a story there.

[Kirby Jackson]

Just to be clear there has to be a successor (which Gayle is). Neither commissioner wants her and will pressure her to sell. The owner can leave the team to whomever they want (for what it’s worth they didn’t like the cokehead granddaughter either). She was always going to be okay in the short-term. We will see if the leagues still press Gayle to sell.

 

I will be happy to keep people in the loop along the way if they are interested? I am still really close with a lot of people on all sides (including the Chouest camp). If you guys don’t care I’ll leave it alone but if you want updates as I hear things I’d be happy to share. Up to you...

[mead107]

RIP. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

55 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I just wrote a long piece in the other thread that disappeared. There are a lot of twists and turns coming in the future with this whole situation. I’ve heard that the NBA & NFL aren’t going to approve Gayle and force her to sell. The source is beyond credible (it rhymes with Madam Milver) but it was almost 5 years ago. Things may have changed.

 

There are also rumors that there is already the foundation of an agreement in place with former Pelicans minority owner Gary Chouest for both teams at $2B(ish). I don’t where all that stands. Long story short there are big changes coming.

 

By all accounts, he was a kind-hearted and generous man that grew to love his community. Despite the family squabbling and Benson offered stability in an unstable region. He has done a ton for Southeast Louisiana and will be sorely missed. RIP Mr. B

 

There's a piece in the Advocate saying she is poised to take control and that both the NBA and NFL approve: "Despite objections from his jilted relatives, team officials have said both the NBA and the NFL approve the plan for Gayle Benson — who once made her living decorating homes and running dental offices — to become owner of the Pelicans and Saints following Benson's death............. Nonetheless, those close to Benson have said they are confident the plan for his wife to take over is legally unassailable. "

 

5 years make a difference I think - there was a lawsuit from his jilted children and grandchildren in 2015 that failed, and she's been in the picture for 3 years.

[CommonCents]

2 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Just to be clear there has to be a successor (which Gayle is). Neither commissioner wants her and will pressure her to sell. The owner can leave the team to whomever they want (for what it’s worth they didn’t like the cokehead granddaughter either). She was always going to be okay in the short-term. We will see if the leagues still press Gayle to sell.

 

I will be happy to keep people in the loop along the way if they are interested? I am still really close with a lot of people on all sides (including the Chouest camp). If you guys don’t care I’ll leave it alone but if you want updates as I hear things I’d be happy to share. Up to you...

Sharing is caring.

 

Whatever happens I hope they don't hold the fans hostage. I remember dreading the thought of RW passing and the team being moved. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 minute ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Just to be clear there has to be a successor (which Gayle is). Neither commissioner wants her and will pressure her to sell. The owner can leave the team to whomever they want (for what it’s worth they didn’t like the cokehead granddaughter either). She was always going to be okay in the short-term. We will see if the leagues still press Gayle to sell.

 

I will be happy to keep people in the loop along the way if they are interested? I am still really close with a lot of people on all sides (including the Chouest camp). If you guys don’t care I’ll leave it alone but if you want updates as I hear things I’d be happy to share. Up to you...

 

 

...a sad story....his family branded her, his third wife as a much younger gold digger (NEVER happens right?) and the battle ensued.......

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Just to be clear there has to be a successor (which Gayle is). Neither commissioner wants her and will pressure her to sell. The owner can leave the team to whomever they want (for what it’s worth they didn’t like the cokehead granddaughter either). She was always going to be okay in the short-term. We will see if the leagues still press Gayle to sell.

 

I will be happy to keep people in the loop along the way if they are interested? I am still really close with a lot of people on all sides (including the Chouest camp). If you guys don’t care I’ll leave it alone but if you want updates as I hear things I’d be happy to share. Up to you...

 

I would personally like to know more of the story. 

[NoSaint]

5 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

There's a piece in the Advocate saying she is poised to take control and that both the NBA and NFL approve: "Despite objections from his jilted relatives, team officials have said both the NBA and the NFL approve the plan for Gayle Benson — who once made her living decorating homes and running dental offices — to become owner of the Pelicans and Saints following Benson's death............. Nonetheless, those close to Benson have said they are confident the plan for his wife to take over is legally unassailable. "

 

5 years make a difference I think - there was a lawsuit from his jilted children and grandchildren in 2015 that failed, and she's been in the picture for 3 years.

 

In this case I think it’s likely wise to listen to Kirby about the difference between what’s on paper vs what’s in hearts and minds.

 

my impression is that the plan is there but it’s very possible it ends up a band aid and not a true long term solution. 

[Kirby Jackson]

7 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

There's a piece in the Advocate saying she is poised to take control and that both the NBA and NFL approve: "Despite objections from his jilted relatives, team officials have said both the NBA and the NFL approve the plan for Gayle Benson — who once made her living decorating homes and running dental offices — to become owner of the Pelicans and Saints following Benson's death............. Nonetheless, those close to Benson have said they are confident the plan for his wife to take over is legally unassailable. "

 

5 years make a difference I think - there was a lawsuit from his jilted children and grandchildren in 2015 that failed, and she's been in the picture for 3 years.

It wasn’t about the dispute though. The league’s objected to her as a business leader. Again it may go away but I am just telling you what I am hearing from the different camps. 

Alright, I will occasionally chime in then as I hear things. It may be a touch jumbled but reliable. It may not all come to fruition so please know that in advance. It has been quiet for a while but obviously this will change things. 

[boater]

11 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

There's a piece in the Advocate saying she is poised to take control and that both the NBA and NFL approve: "Despite objections from his jilted relatives, team officials have said both the NBA and the NFL approve the plan for Gayle Benson — who once made her living decorating homes and running dental offices — to become owner of the Pelicans and Saints following Benson's death............. Nonetheless, those close to Benson have said they are confident the plan for his wife to take over is legally unassailable. "

 

5 years make a difference I think - there was a lawsuit from his jilted children and grandchildren in 2015 that failed, and she's been in the picture for 3 years.

 

Gayle may be legally planted to become owner. BUT.. does Gayle have the ability to pay the estate tax?

 

Estate taxes is why Ralph Wilson's daughter didn't get the Bills. It's also why the Cooke family had to sell the Redskins to Daniel Snyder.

 

I think the Saints will be up for sale. Sadly. But people want to tax the rich, and this is a result.

[NoSaint]

5 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

It wasn’t about the dispute though. The league’s objected to her as a business leader. Again it may go away but I am just telling you what I am hearing from the different camps. 

Alright, I will occasionally chime in then as I hear things. It may be a touch jumbled but reliable. It may not all come to fruition so please know that in advance. It has been quiet for a while but obviously this will change things. 

 

Definitely a spot where what someone wants to have happen or thinks will happen may not come to fruition but we all know you are good at weighing sources and sharing accurately

 

hes such an interesting case as an owner. You may feel different but it seemed he really wanted to move, not just used it as leverage. But he also gave a small market in Nola a championship (after decades of failure).... it’s one of those spots where his legacy is messy but the city’s relationship with the team is rock solid. While I think Ralph went to the wall for buffalo, I think New Orleans (and benson) got lucky that he wasn’t able to move the saints.

[DC Tom]

So now he's...a saint?

[billsfanmiami(oh)]

12 minutes ago, boater said:

 

Gayle may be legally planted to become owner. BUT.. does Gayle have the ability to pay the estate tax?

 

Estate taxes is why Ralph Wilson's daughter didn't get the Bills. It's also why the Cooke family had to sell the Redskins to Daniel Snyder.

 

I think the Saints will be up for sale. Sadly. But people want to tax the rich, and this is a result.

 

 

Spouses don’t pay estate taxes

[Kirby Jackson]

14 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

 

Definitely a spot where what someone wants to have happen or thinks will happen may not come to fruition but we all know you are good at weighing sources and sharing accurately

 

hes such an interesting case as an owner. You may feel different but it seemed he really wanted to move, not just used it as leverage. But he also gave a small market in Nola a championship (after decades of failure).... it’s one of those spots where his legacy is messy but the city’s relationship with the team is rock solid. While I think Ralph went to the wall for buffalo, I think New Orleans (and benson) got lucky that he wasn’t able to move the saints.

Benson is a weird case. I always think about the Super Bowl vs. the other disputes and uncomfortable situations. He was extremes. He had totally lost his mind too the last few years which made the whole thing uglier.  He surrounded himself exclusively with “yes men” too which is interesting. For all of the weird situations, he ultimately did a ton for New Orleans (even if it was begrudgingly at times).