Bills, Sabres president Russ Brandon resigns amid report of investigation into workplace misconduct

Buffalo Bills and Sabres president Russ Brandon resigned on Tuesday amid a report that he had inappropriate relationships with female employees.

Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Bills and the Sabres, announced the move on Twitter.

The Buffalo News reports that his resignation stems from an internal investigation into workplace misconduct. According to the report, Kim Pegula, who will take over the role of Bills and Sabres president, informed Brandon on Friday that he was under investigation.

Russ Brandon has resigned as president of the Bills and Sabres following a reported investigation into inappropriate relationships with female employees. (AP)
Russ Brandon has resigned as president of the Bills and Sabres following a reported investigation into inappropriate relationships with female employees. (AP)

When confronted, Brandon denied the relationships, but was found to be deceitful about those allegations and other misconduct on the job, according to the report.

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In addition to running the Bills and Sabres, Brandon also was in charge of the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits and the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans.

Brandon made a statement to the Buffalo News that did not acknowledge the investigation or allegations.

I have been contemplating transitioning out of my role for some time. My goal when the Pegulas purchased the franchise was to reach 20 years with the Bills in which I achieved this past November. Given where we are from a timing standpoint, particularly with the conclusion of the NFL Draft, now seems like the time to make that transition. As grateful as I am for the amazing experience and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with the past two decades, I am just as anxious for the professional opportunities that lie ahead.

Brandon joined the Bills in 1997 in the business development office after working four years for the Florida Marlins.

After moving up the ranks as vice president of business operations and chief operating officer, Brandon took over for Marv Levy as general manager in 2009. A confidante of team founder Ralph Wilson, Brandon was named president and CEO in 2013 as Wilson’s health was failing before his death in spring 2014.

The Pegulas kept Brandon on when they bought the team for $1.4 billion in 2014.

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