(Image source: Gab Grind)
BY KIM ST. ONGE
ANCHOR ANTHONY MARTINEZ
The sun is setting on Rick Welts’ 9-year reign as the Phoenix Suns’ President and CEO. KPNX reports Welts is leaving for personal reasons, but his departure won’t leave the Suns completely in the dust.
“Welts says he wants to move because the most important people in his life are not here in Phoenix. General Counsel Jason Rowley will take his place until new president is named. Welts has been with the Suns since 2002 and has done a terrific job. In May he revealed that he was gay. He is the most high profile sports executive to ever do that.”
Within the last year, Welts started a relationship with his current partner-- who lives in Sacramento. The Suns are letting the exec. end his contract nearly 10 months early to move closer to his partner, who has joint custody of two kids in the golden state.
Welts told The Arizona Republic he needs to get his life in sync.
‘“The most important thing for me is to get my personal and professional lives better aligned … They’ve probably never been aligned. I’m 58 years old and it’s time to do that.’”
Welts says he isn’t being pushed out the door and that the Suns have been very supportive. Gay men’s magazine Instinct says it also supports Welts’ decision.
“We get you, Rick. Focus on you and your family. We are grateful that you did come out while you were still at the helm. It set a tremendous example. We wish you the best on your new journey.”
But with Welts calling it quits early, what does this mean for the team? A writer for Blogiun says Welts’ unexpected decision leaves the Suns in a vulnerable position.
“This does put the Suns in an unenviable position of reorganizing their team’s management. Someone is going to have to take the team over. And with subtle signs that lockout is at least inching closer to a resolution, there is a little unanticipated pressure on the team to find a replacement.”
Welts officially leaves the Suns on the 15th.
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