Friedman: Impending Leiweke, MLSE split 'comes down to commitment'
The looming split between Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and president and CEO Tim Leiweke "comes down to commitment," according to Elliotte Friedman of CBC - the man who broke the story earlier this week.
With several major projects on the docket - including a bid to host the NHL All-Star Game - MLSE wanted to know if Leiweke remained committed to his position, or if he is going to use an out-clause next summer.
According to a couple of sources, approximately two months ago Leiweke reiterated to the board that he would only guarantee his position until June 30, 2015. It sounds like, at that moment, the board decided it had to protect its own interests.
With everything else we've heard about the MLSE/Leiweke relationship, this is what it came down to. His timeline was not acceptable to the board. It wanted to end the speculation and begin the replacement process, which is why the announcement was made Thursday that the company is seeking a new CEO.
Leiweke initially denied the report, but qualified the denial by leaving the door wide open for this scenario to unfold. What remains to be seen is just how long he will remain with the organization.