Rita Benson LeBlanc Back Working For Saints; Team Denies Report She Was In Hospital

RITA BENSON LEBLANC is back working for the Saints and according to the team is “busier than ever.” LeBlanc, the heir apparent to her grandfather, team Owner TOM BENSON, and listed as a co-Owner on the club’s website, was reported last month by the New Orleans Times-Picayune to be on an involuntary leave of absence because of her management style. A source confirmed the story for SportsBusiness Journal when it was reported. Saints VP/Communications GREG BENSEL, said via e-mail, “Rita is working as normal, busier than ever.” As for her leave of absence, Bensel said, “She was out of the office attending meetings [some for Benson and the Saints] and attending conferences.” Asked if that meant the reported characterization of her absence had been inaccurate, Bensel reiterated his comment. Bensel also said Benson LeBlanc had not been in the hospital in late April, as her grandfather told reporters at that time. “She had the flu, was never in the hospital. She was traveling for a month or so,” he said.