(Anaheim) The Anaheim Ducks announced Wednesday that Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray has resigned, a move that takes effect immediately.
The team’s management communicated the news by way of a press release in the late afternoon (California time).
Murray tendered his resignation on Wednesday morning, according to the team. The Ducks also said Murray will enroll in a program to fight against alcohol abuse.
As the team announced on Tuesday, Jeff Solomon will be the interim general manager.
The outcome follows the Ducks executives’ decision on Tuesday to put Murray on administrative leave while an investigation into his behavior in the workplace is held.
In the statement sent by the team, owners Henry and Susan Samueli first apologized, on behalf of the organization, to “anyone affected by Bob’s bad behavior.”
“We expect everyone in our organization to be treated with respect, and we will not tolerate any abuse,” added the owners.
By submitting his resignation, Murray informed the owners of his decision to join an alcohol abuse program.
“While we do not approve of his conduct, we fully support his efforts to improve his physical and mental health by asking for help,” added Henry and Susan Samueli.
The owners of the Ducks have also specified that they will now begin a “methodical and thorough search” to find a permanent general manager.
“We expect to complete this process next summer, at the latest,” said the co-owners.
In the Ducks statement, Murray apologized to “anyone who has been adversely affected by my behavior.”
“I am committed to making changes in my life, starting with enrolling in a treatment program. I want to thank Henry and Susan Samueli, as well as (Ducks CEO) Michael Schulman, because working for them has been one of the highlights of my career. As I leave the Ducks, I’ll focus my attention where it belongs: improving my life for the sake of my family and friends. ”
Murray, 66, had been with the Ducks organization since 2005. He had led hockey operations for the Ducks since November 2008. At the end of the 2013-2014 season, he was named General Manager of the Year in the NHL.