Bob Murray resigns as Ducks EVP and GM

Anaheim Ducks Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray has resigned from his duties with the Ducks, the club announced Wednesday evening.

Yesterday, the Ducks released a statement saying that Murray was placed on administrative leave after an internal review followed by an independent investigation after the Ducks say they became aware of accusations of improper professional conduct against Murray.

“First and foremost, we apologize on behalf of the organization to anyone affected by misconduct from Bob,” Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said in a statement. “We expect every member of our organization to be treated with respect and will not stand for abuse of any kind. Bob tendered his resignation this morning, while also informing us of his decision to enter an alcohol abuse program. While we do not condone his conduct, we fully support his efforts to improve his physical and mental health by asking for help. We will now begin a methodical, extensive search for a permanent General Manager to lead us forward. We expect to complete this process no later than next summer.”

In the meantime, Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Jeff Solomon will assume the role of Interim General Manager for the Ducks.

Murray, 66, released the following statement:

“I want to apologize to anyone adversely affected by my behavior. I vow to make changes to my life, starting with enrolling in a treatment program. I want to thank Henry and Susan Samueli, and Michael Schulman, as working for them has been one of the highlights of my career. As I step away from the Ducks, I will focus my attention on where it should be: improving my life for the betterment of my family and friends.”

The NHL released a statement of their own regarding the situation with Murray:

“We support the decision by Bob Murray to resign his position as General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks. While we understand that he is seeking appropriate counseling and treatment for his personal issues, there is no excuse and there is no place in our League for the type of behavior that was recently reported through the NHL Hotline. We thank the Ducks’ organization for its prompt and appropriate response to Hotline reports. The League and its Clubs are committed to a safe and welcoming workplace across the NHL and will continue to take any and all action necessary to achieve that goal.”

Murray has been with the Ducks since 2005, when he joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations before being named GM in 2008.

While the Ducks conduct their search for their next GM, Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Jeff Solomon will assume the role of Interim General Manager.