Bombers president Bauer resigns

Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer announced his resignation on Thursday.

Bauer, 51,said the decision was a personal onebased "in the interests of my family," and that he advised the board of directors for the club on Tuesday.

"This is my decision, it's not one made by or influenced by the board of directors. And my decision does not have any financial impact on the Winnipeg football club so you can put your speculation to rest," he said,speakingover the phone at a press conference held by theclub at Canad Inns Stadium.

'This is my decision, it's not one made by or influenced by the board of directors.' Lyle Bauer

Bauerhas held the rolefor almost 10 years after beingnamed president in February 2000.

The pending resignation has been rumoured for weeks now, with rampant speculation that Bauer will join the Calgary Stampeders organization.

Stampeders most recent president, Scott Ackles, resigned earlier this week to become general manager of the 2011 Grey Cup in Vancouver.

Bauer offered no commenton the Calgary rumours andno indication ofwhat he now planned to do.

He has fallen out of favour with some fans the past couple of seasons because of the team's poor performance, which has stretched itsGrey Cup droughtto 19 years.

Supported embattled coach Kelly

He has also been a lightning rod of fan's ire for his support of coach Mike Kelly, who has been widely criticized for his arrogant demeanour toward fans and media. There is no word on whether Bauer's departure will spell the end of Kelly's career in Winnipeg as well.

However, Bauer said he views his time with the club as one filled withsuccesses.

"A debt of $5.5 millionhas been replaced by a positive balance of approximately $5 million;we made the playoffs seven times, hosted six playoff games, played in the Grey Cup twice, and hosted one of the best Grey Cups in recent memories," he said.

Bombers board of directors chair Ken Hildahl said he reluctantly accepted Bauer's resignation and thatKelly's future with the team will be discussed over the next few weeks.

Jim Bell, who formerly served as the team's vice-president of finance and administration, will serve as the team's interim president.

Bauer,who was born in Saskatoon, Sask., also played 10seasons in the CFL, all for the Bombers. He was part of the city's Grey Cup championship-winning teams in 1984, 1988, 1990.

In 1988, he was named the Blue Bombers most outstanding lineman and in1998 he was inducted into the team's hall of fame.