NBA: Blazers President, GM Steve Patterson Resigns

Immediate search begins for a team General Manager and new President of Business Operations.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PORTLAND - Vulcan Inc. announced Thursday that Tod Leiweke will assume management oversight for Trail Blazers Inc., which operates the Portland Trail Blazers franchise in the National Basketball Association.

It was also announced that Steve Patterson has resigned as President and General Manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, effective immediately.

Leiweke announced that an immediate search would be conducted to name a team General Manager and find a new President of Business Operations, both will be Portland-based positions responsible for the day-to-day operations of the franchise.

Leiweke will continue his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Seahawks.

"I am excited about this new opportunity and look forward to being a part of the Trail Blazers," said Leiweke.

"Over the last couple of years, we’ve created some great memories for Seahawks fans. I look forward to creating the opportunity for Portland and all the Trail Blazer fans to have those same experiences."

"Under Steve’s direction many of the fundamental pieces have been put in place," said Paul Allen, owner of Vulcan, Inc.

"I look forward to Tod’s leadership in building our Portland based management team and executing our transition and improvement plan so we can again assume our rightful position as one of the premier franchises in the NBA. Putting the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks under a common management umbrella underscores my commitment to the future of both franchises. Tod has done great things for the Seahawks, and I fully expect similar results for the Trail Blazers."

"With my contract soon to expire and after discussions with Paul and Tod I concluded this was simply the right time to step away," said Mr. Patterson.

"I take great pride in what we achieved during my time in Portland and am confident we have placed this organization on a path that will result in success for many years to come. We have faced and overcome significant challenges in the past four seasons and now is the right time for the team to push ahead with new management. I would like to wish Paul Allen and Tod Leiweke success going forward and thank all the Blazers fans for their support during these past seasons of transition."

Leiweke also will become the CEO of a newly formed management company, Vulcan Sports & Entertainment ("VSE"). VSE will assume oversight responsibilities for all of Paul Allen’s sports-related properties including the Trail Blazers, the Rose Garden Arena and Memorial Coliseum, upon the successful completion of Vulcan’s negotiations with Portland Arena Management and all properties currently run by the Seattle Seahawks.

Leiweke, 47, has spent over 24 years in professional sports.

Under Mr. Leiweke’s supervision, the Seattle Seahawks have achieved success both on and off the football field.

In 2005, the Seahawks were named the NFL Sports Fan's Quality Award as the league's "Fan Friendliest" team.

Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XL.

In 2006, the Seahawks won their third straight NFC West title and increased their consecutive game sellout streak to 35.

Prior to joining the Seahawks organization, Leiweke served as President of the Minnesota Wild and Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE).

Under Leiweke's tenure, the Sports Fans of America Association, Inc. awarded its NHL Sports Fan's Quality Award to the Wild as the league's "Fan Friendliest" team.

Moreover, in an ESPN survey conducted in the same year, among 123 sports franchises, the Minnesota Wild ranked first in stadium experience and second in fan relationships.

Leiweke has also held executive positions with the PGA TOUR, the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

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