Sons of Ernie Banks will fight will giving assets to agent

CHICAGO (AP) — The twin sons of Ernie Banks today said that his agent and caretaker coerced the Chicago Cubs baseball great into signing a new will giving her all his assets.

In a statement released by their attorney, Jerry and Joey Banks said their father was ill at the time Regina Rice had him sign a power of attorney, a health care directive and a will giving everything to her.

"I find it quite interesting that she did not tell anyone that she had an attorney write up a new will," Jerry Banks said.

Joey Banks said the family thought Rice was helping and watching over "Mr. Cub" while he was in Chicago.

Family attorney Mark Bogen said only after the funeral did the Banks family became aware he had signed a new will during his illness.

A provision of the will, signed and dated Oct. 17, says: "I am making no provisions under this will for wife or my children, not for a lack of love and affection for them and for reasons best known to them."

Bogen said the family will vigorously fight the will.