Saints and Pelicans Owner TOM BENSON and his estranged heirs "gathered behind closed doors in a New Orleans courtroom" yesterday for the "most consequential proceedings yet since their family feud erupted publicly in January," according to Katherine Sayre of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Benson's daughter, RENEE, and grandchildren, RITA and RYAN LEBLANC, are "seeking to have the billionaire declared incompetent to manage his own affairs, arguing he is in declining health and being unduly influenced" by his third wife, GAYLE, and "a close circle of business associates." Benson declined to discuss the case, but said, "I can't talk about nothing. I just feel good." Yesterday "marked the first time Tom Benson and his heirs have been in the same room since January, when he announced he intends to leave full ownership of the NFL and NBA teams and other assets to his wife." The trial, "expected to last most of this week, will determine whether he or his daughter and grandchildren will control one of Louisiana's biggest fortunes, including the teams." Orleans Civil District Judge KERN REESE "closed the trial to the public, in an order he has indicated intends to prevent private medical information from getting out in the closely watched trial." A longtime Benson business associate, TOM RODDY, was the "first witness to testify." A registered nurse and a former Benson housekeeper "also gave testimony." All of the witnesses "were called by Renee, Rita and Ryan's camp." Renee, Rita and Ryan are "expected to testify" today (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 6/2). ESPN.com's Mike Triplett noted Benson "spoke briefly on his way into the courtroom." Benson said, "Y'all can report that I'm still walking. Damn good." He then turned back and said, "All I want is a good football team and a good basketball team" (ESPN.com, 6/1).
