Ducks place GM Bob Murray on leave amid investigation into professional conduct

The Anaheim Ducks have placed executive vice-president and general manager Bob Murray on administrative leave pending "an ongoing investigation related to professional conduct."

The Ducks said in a statement Tuesday that the team became aware of "accusations of improper professional conduct" against Murray and hired law firm Sheppard Mullin to perform an independent investigation.

The Ducks said they placed Murray, 66, on leave on the recommendation of the initial findings of the investigation "pending final results."

The team says vice-president of hockey operations and assistant GM Jeff Solomon will act as interim general manager.

The Ducks' statement did not give details of the allegations against Murray. The team said it will have no further comment until the investigation is complete.

Murray, of Kingston, Ont., has been with the Ducks' front office since 2005.

Professional conduct has come under more scrutiny in the league since last month, when Chicago was fined $2 million US for its handling of sexual assault allegations in 2010.

A report detailing the team's response to the allegations led to the resignation of general manager Stan Bowman and Florida coach Joel Quenneville, who was Chicago's coach when Kyle Beach said he was sexually assaulted by then-Chicago assistant Brad Aldrich.