CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte Hornets president and vice chairman Fred Whitfield is stepping down from his position and departing the organization due to health reasons after more than 17 years leading the team's business operations.
"Over the last 18 months I have successfully battled a serious case of throat cancer," the 65-year-old Whitfield said in a statement through the team. "I've also been focused on supporting my mother, who has her own health issues."
Whitfield joined then-majority owner Michael Jordan's Bobcats in July 2006, serving as president and chief operating officer for 12 years before being promoted.