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Tom Benson, estranged heirs make arguments in appeals hearing on Saints, Pelicans owner's competency

NEW ORLEANS - Lawyers for New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and his estranged heirs made arguments Thursday in the appeals hearing regarding his mental competency case.

The proceedings were closed to the public and the media. Attorneys told media afterward that a ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected within a month.

Benson, 88, was declared mentally competent by a New Orleans civil court judge in June 2015 after an eight-day trial that was also closed to the media and the public. Benson's daughter and grandchildren filed suit seeking an interdiction after Benson announced plans to cut them out of his vast business empire and name his wife Gayle as his successor in the event of his death.