Bob Murray resigns as Ducks GM, enters alcohol recovery program

This just in, longtime Anaheim Ducks longtime general manager Bob Murray has resigned from his position just a day after being placed on administrative leave pending an "ongoing investigation related to professional conduct."

The Ducks said in a statement yesterday that the team was made aware of "accusation of improper professional conduct" from Murray and that LA law firm Sheppard Mullin would perform a full investigation into any allegations against Murray. Evidently, that investigation didn't take long.

Murray, who had been with the team since 2005, released a 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." 

- Bob Murray

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports that indeed Murray will undergo treatment for alcohol abuse:

Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli have also released a statement:

"First and foremost, we apologize on behalf of the organization to anyone affected by misconduct from Bob. 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."

- Henry and Susan Samueli

Needless to say that Murray isn't the first executive this season to find himself out of work due to off-ice issues and, frankly, I don't think he'll be the last. The hockey world is beginning to wake up to things that it has tolerated for far too long and I suspect that the collateral damage is just beginning.