Upheaval at State Athletic Commission

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The California State Athletic Commission remains without an executive officer, and the man who’s been holding the position down since last year’s resignation of Armando Garcia has just turned in his resignation.

William Douglas made it clear in a telephone conversation this afternoon with The Times, however, that he has not been fired, as reported elsewhere.

‘I don’t know how this madness started,’ Douglas said. ‘I took a day off yesterday, and I’m moving to a new department next month for career advancement.’

Douglas, who oversaw this year’s investigation of former world welterweight champion Antonio Margarito‘s tainted hand wraps, said he has accepted a position as a senior policy analyst working in the state Department of Consumer Affairs’ legislation and policy review department. Consumer Affairs also houses the State Athletic Commission.

Douglas was one of the candidates to replace Garcia and participated in a closed hearing before the commission this month as members considered a replacement among a field that also included referee Pat Russell, former New York boxing commission head Ron Scott Stevens and retired attorney Ron Arnold.

‘I withdrew from consideration Friday when this other opportunity came up,’ Douglas said. ‘It’s a great move for me. My family and I are very happy. I just tried to keep it quiet to keep the transition to a new E.O. dignified.’

Yet, some boxing officials fired off e-mails today complaining there’s no one in charge in Sacramento after this month’s ouster of respected inspector Dean Lohuis. Douglas said he’ll continue to preside over the commission from his assistant executive officer role for 30 days, during which he expects the state to appoint an interim leader until commissioners select a new executive officer, probably in June.

-- Lance Pugmire