Whitsitt forced out in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore., May 7 (UPI) -- Bob Whitsitt, often the lightning rod for the underachieving fortunes of the Portland Trail Blazers, has been forced out as president and general manager.

Blazers owner Paul Allen announced Wednesday that Whitsitt will step down after nine seasons with the NBA team while retaining his role as president of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

"We mutually agreed this was the best thing for the team and the community," said Allen, who owns both the Blazers and the Seahawks.

The Trail Blazers were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs for a third straight season on Sunday. After losing the first three games to the Dallas Mavericks, the Blazers won three in a row only to fall in the seventh game.

"After 25 years in the NBA, I am very grateful for all the experiences I've had including the last nine years with the Blazers," said Bob Whitsitt. "I've always loved basketball and working with the league, and now I'm really looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that will come with devoting myself to the Seahawks full-time."

Whitsitt has borne the brunt of criticism from fans, who have questioned the character of players he has brought to the team while trading away favorites. He has been known throughout the league as "Trader Bob" for having made 19 trades and acquiring 14 lottery players for the team even though the Blazers have never had a lottery pick.

His relationship with the fans likely hit a low during the tenure of Coach Mike Dunleavy. During one game, a fan was ejected for displaying a sign that read "Fire Whitsitt."

In an effort to diffuse the negative press, the Blazers tried to mail the fan some team paraphernalia. But a Blazers staffer mistakenly sent the merchandise postage due.

The Oregonian reported on its website that the Blazers coaching staff was told of Whitsitt's decision early Wednesday. The website reported that Blazers Coach Maurice Cheeks was given a vote of confidence from team owner Paul Allen and is expected to help lead the search for Whitsitt's replacement.

Whitsitt joined the SuperSonics as president in 1986 at the age of 30, making him the youngest president in the NBA. He worked there for eight years and was NBA Executive of the Year in 1994. That year, he came to Portland.

Whitsitt is in his sixth season as president of the Seahawks.