Whitsitt stepping down as Blazers GM

[HawkTodd]

Whitsitt stepping down as Blazers GM. (5-7-03)

http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0507/1550486.html

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland Trail Blazers general manager Bob Whitsitt stepped down Wednesday just days after the team ended a troubled season by getting bumped from the first-round of the playoffs for the third straight year, sources with the team told The Associated Press.

Whitsitt, who has held the job for the past eight years, will retain his job as president of the Seattle Seahawks. Both the Trail Blazers and the Seahawks are owned by Microsoft pioneer Paul Allen.

Trail Blazers spokesman Mike Hanson would not immediately comment on the news reports but said the team would have an announcement Wednesday afternoon.

According to The Oregonian, Whitsitt's resignation is effective July 1. Reports of the resignation first surfaced Wednesday on KGW-TV and its Web site, kgw.com.

Since Whitsitt, 46, took over the job with the Trail Blazers in 1994, the team has compiled a 376-248 overall record (.603), continuing its streak of 14 straight winning seasons and 21 straight trips to the playoffs.

But he has faced increasing criticism for the team's on-court performance and off-court problems.

The past season has been especially turbulent. Forward Rasheed Wallace, guard Damon Stoudamire and rookie Qyntel Woods were all cited for marijuana possession. Ruben Patterson was arrested for domestic abuse, charges his wife later asked not be pursued.

Wallace was suspended for seven games by the league for threatening a referee on the loading dock after a game in January, and Patterson scuffled with forward Zach Randolphduring a practice. Randolph was suspended for two games by the team for punching Patterson and breaking his eye socket.

The Blazers -- who have the highest payroll in the league at $105 million -- were ousted from the playoffs in seven games by the Dallas Mavericks, after first-round sweeps by the Los Angeles Lakers in the previous two seasons.

Over the course of Whitsitt's tenure, different players have been suspended 20 times. There have been 15 arrests.

[Guest]

This is huge. We've traded big with the Blazers before. They have a lot of valuable players, none of which are base year players after July 1 (I believe, could definitely be wrong). Could we see Babcock in there? His character over talent preference is a 180 from Whitsitt's track record.

It will be an interesting summer, with all the free agents, people being used to the cap and how it works, etc. Get ready for multiple trade proposals by everyone on this board!

The NBA season may be in full swing, but for Hawks fans, the off season could be like the regular season for the future of this franchise.

[Guest]

I just read the full article...I'm not sure he's even available...

"Allen reportedly wants Whitsitt to focus on the Seahawks."