Senators Assistant GM Randy Lee Resigns After Harassment Charges

Ottawa Senators assistant GM Randy Lee has resigned.

The Senators announced Tuesday that assistant general manager Randy Lee has resigned.  

A search for Lee's replacement is underway, and the team will have no further comment. 

Lee had been suspended by the Senators since June after being accused of making lewd comments and rubbing the shoulders of a 19-year-old male shuttle driver in May, when Buffalo was hosting the NHL rookie combine. He was arrested May 31 after prosecutors say he continued placing his hands on the driver’s shoulders even after being told to stop.

“I have to think about my obligations to the hockey team,” Lee said. “They need an assistant general manager who can focus completely on the coming season. Until this matter is behind me, however, I’m not in a position to do that.”

The lawyer representing Lee said in July he would enter a not guilty plea and file a motion to dismiss harassment charges during his client’s appearance in Buffalo city court.

As part of his duties with the Senators, Lee was the GM of the franchise's AHL affiliate in Binghamton. His resignation brings an end to a 23-year tenure with the team.

"For the past 23 years, my family has taken a back seat to my career. My focus now is on putting them first," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.