When he named Sam Presti the Sonics' new GM yesterday, owner Clay Bennett also stripped Lenny Wilkens of the title of President and retitled him Vice-Chairman. A source told the Tacoma News Tribune Bennett wanted "to put Lenny out to pasture." Ranching metaphors: just one of the many joys of having your team owned by guys from Oklahoma City.

From Wilkens’ unsavory handling of the announcement of his position of president to his perceived mismanagement of the hiring of a general manager and coach, Bennett was said to be so upset with Wilkens the divide was irreversible.

Wilkens will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity, but day-to-day power has been handed to the 30-year-old Presti.

Also, this means the end of Wilkens’ one-year stint as the team’s color announcer. FSN spokeswoman Jill Wiggins confirmed on Thursday that Wilkens had telephoned program director Mark Shuken and informed him he would not take the job next season. Wiggins said it was too soon to name a replacement.

Apparently, after Wilkens preemptively announced he was president, Bennett flipped out. He then thought Wilkens was dragging his feet on hiring a GM, and decided to do it himself (Wilkens was set to recommend Portland's John Gabriel).

With Wilkens gone, there's nobody with Seattle ties near the top of this organization.