The NFL has chosen silence over clarity. After revelations surfaced about Rita Benson LeBlanc's arrest for allegedly assaulting a parking enforcement officer in South Carolina, questions emerged regarding her stake in the New Orleans Saints.
Back in 2016, in the aftermath of a tumultuous legal battle involving LeBlanc and her family over control of the team, it was stated that she retained ownership of a portion of the franchise. This recent incident brings back the question: does LeBlanc still own part of the team?
Our inquiries to the Saints on this matter were redirected to the NFL, only for the league to offer no comment. The core issue stems from the league's Personal Conduct Policy, which applies to all stakeholders within the NFL. If LeBlanc indeed maintains her ownership status, the policy's standards and potential disciplinary measures for such off-field behavior come into question.
The situation underscores the perceived disparity between how players and team owners are treated regarding misconduct. In cases involving players, disciplinary actions are often swift and decisive.
If LeBlanc no longer holds ownership, both the Saints and the NFL could easily dispel any uncertainty with a clear statement. However, the lack of response leaves room for speculation and skepticism. As of now, the status of LeBlanc's connection to the Saints remains unclear, pending further clarification from the organization or the league.
