Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, issued this statement Thursday evening:

"We are in Louisville this week where my wife's GMB Racing operation will start Mo Tom and Tom's Ready this Saturday in the running of the 142nd Kentucky Derby. We had the privilege today to discuss potential business relationships with a number of horse farms in the area.

"Gayle and I could not be more excited in our preparations for the Kentucky Derby. And equally so - we are thrilled to bring this excitement to everyone in New Orleans. We are blessed to have a great team of loyal executives and friends. Our three trainers are from New Orleans and our two jockeys come from Louisiana. This is important to me. We are having the time of our lives here in Louisville.

"While certain members of my family continue to harass me with negative threatening statements, I continue to plan for the future. Nevertheless, the ingratitude shown by certain members of my family, despite the vast financial and other benefits I have given them, is very hard to accept.

"I look forward to an outstanding Kentucky Derby on Saturday, using a productive draft, offseason and upcoming training camp with the Saints as the springboard back to the Super Bowl and reenergizing our fans as we look at every option to get the Pelicans on the road to an NBA championship."