Tom Benson, the powerful and at times polarizing owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, who delighted fans in his early years with his Benson Boogie and at times frustrated them with his frequent demands and threats to relocate the team, died Thursday (March 15), the teams announced in a statement. He was 90.

Benson was admitted to Ochsner Hospital in mid-February with flu-like symptoms that multiple sources said included a bout with pneumonia. He was moved to the intensive care unit days later and remained there until the time of his death. Benson’s condition appeared to be improving in late February, according to a report issued by team officials, but his health took a downturn in recent days.