sports briefs

Whitsitt resigns as GM

Bob Whitsitt announced his resignation and affiliation with the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday, May 7. Whitsitt has been with the Blazers for nine seasons as president and general manager of the franchise.

Officially, Whitsitt will be relieved of his duties July 1, until then the Blazers front office has begun searching for a new president and GM.

Whitsitt has decided to leave the franchise three days after the Blazers were handed their third straight first round playoff exit. Over the many seasons in Portland, Whitsitt brought in new faces and shipped away other familiar favorites. Very often Whitsitt was criticized by the community and fans for bringing in a difficult mix of players. Known as “Trader Bob” by many fans, Whitsitt made 19 total trades through his tenure and acquired 14 lottery picks.

As of now, Whitsitt will remain as president of the Seattle Seahawks franchise, where he has been president since 1997.