Tom Benson's Estranged Heirs Appeal Competency Ruling: Latest Details, Reaction

Estranged family members of New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson reportedly filed an appeal on Wednesday after a judge ruled last week that the 87-year-old businessman remained mentally fit to manage his assets.

Katherine Sayre of the Times-Picayune reports the main point of contention in the appeal was Benson's refusal to take the stand during the competency trial. They believe that was a concerted effort to "suppress the truth."

Randy Smith, a lawyer for Benson's daughter, Renee Benson, and grandchildren, Rita and Ryan LeBlanc, provided further reasoning to the outlet for why the family members are moving forward with their effort.

"In years past, Tom Benson observed contemporaries in similar states of mental decline and urged his family to act for him if he ever found himself in such a vulnerable state," the statement read. "We reiterate that this case is driven by Renee, Rita and Ryan's love and concern for Tom Benson, the Benson businesses, the Saints, the Pelicans, the State of Louisiana, and the people of the City of New Orleans."

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Danielle and Andy Mayoras of Forbes reported the family feud began after Benson wrote a letter stating he was going to leave control of the sports teams as well as other business interests to his third wife, Gayle Benson, while locking other family members out.

After the lawsuit was filed, Benson posted a message on the Saints' official site defending his decisions and stating he instructed his attorneys to "spare no effort" to protect his rights. The judge's ruling last week was a major victory in that process.

The Times-Picayune report notes two of the three psychiatrists that testified in the case said his mental impairment was mild and didn't prevent him from making cognitive decisions. The other felt interdiction was warranted based on his evaluation.

Now the case moves to an appellate court for review. How far this situation will travel through the legal system is unknown, but the future of the Saints and Pelicans continues to hang in the balance as the family drama plays out.

The estranged heirs do not believe he has the mental capacity to make key business decisions for the future, while Benson's team has fought hard to prove his competence.