By Ross Jackson
A family member of former New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson has reportedly been arrested following an alleged altercation in Charleston, S.C.
Per WVUE 8 New Orleans, Rita Benson Leblanc, who was at one point the apparent heir to Benson’s teams, was taken into custody following an alleged confrontation which led to Leblanc “pushing a parking enforcement officer.”
Rita Benson Leblanc, the granddaughter of Tom Benson, is accused of pushing a parking enforcement officer in downtown Charleston. She was, at one point, the heir apparent owner of the New Orleans Saints before Tom married Gayle. https://t.co/M4hlWV9oZN pic.twitter.com/QUdgKIOI3E
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) June 19, 2025
Leblanc was among the group that attempted to strip Tom Benson of his ownership of both professional teams after Benson removed her and his other children out of his will, lining up now-owner Gayle Benson to be the heir apparent of both franchises.
The lawsuit by Benson’s adopted daughter, Renee, and her two children, Rita and Ryan claimed that Benson’s cognitive condition had severely declined and thus he was no longer competent enough to control his assets.
The lawsuit predictably fell short, allowing Tom and Gayle Benson to maintain their arrangement as owner and heir, though Tom Benson did settle the dispute by turning over additional assets.
More information on the altercation will come to light over time.
