Steve Sander resigned today from the board of the Metro Denver Sports Commission in the wake of an illegal betting-ring probe.
Sander, a prominent figure in sports marketing, recently had been named in a grand-jury indictment as placing wagers in a bookmaking operation.
Sander offered his resignation during a meeting of the sports commission’s executive board. The board voted 5-0 to accept the resignation.
“He has made significant contributions to our organization over the years and we greatly value all that he has done for us,” said commission chairman Jerome Davis.
Davis said he could not discuss the nature of Sander’s remarks at the board meeting, but he added that Sander “is accountable and in no way does he wish to harm the commission.”
Sander said today in an email to The Post, “I chose to resign from the Denver Sports Commission Board of Directors to prevent any misperceptions about the organization. I will continue to support their efforts to bring world-class events to Denver and greatly value their contributions to the community.”
Sander also serves as director of strategic marketing for the city of Denver.
“Steve’s year-to-year contract (with the city) runs through Dec. 31 and the current plan is to allow him to finish out that contract,” said Amber Miller, a spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Hancock.
Sander was mentioned as a bettor in the indictment, but he has not been charged with any crimes.
Two of the alleged operators of the betting ring, Daniel Dinner and Michael Elick, pleaded not guilty last week to charges of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, conspiracy to commit professional gambling, transmitting or receiving gambling information, possession of a gambling record and 24 counts of professional gambling.
Also named as a bettor in the indictment was former Denver Post sports reporter Jim Armstrong.
