Cook Leaves Manchester City After E-Mail to Player's Mother - San Francisco Chronicle

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Sept. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Manchester City Chief Executive Officer Garry Cook resigned from the Premier League soccer club today after controversy over an e-mail to a player's mother.

Anthonia Onuoha, the mother and agent of defender Nedum Onuoha, said an e-mail from Cook's account ridiculed her cancer, according to the Sun newspaper. A review by the club found "foundation" to her accusations, and Cook's resignation was accepted.

Cook admitted in a statement on Manchester City's website that it was his "error of judgment in this matter that has prompted me to reach this decision, which I believe is in the best interests of the football club."

The Sun reported five days ago that Onuoha received a message, which was intended for City's football administrator Brian Marwood and appeared to be sent by Cook, which made fun of her use of the phrase "ravaged with it" in describing her condition.

"When I opened up my e-mails and saw the message, it was the worst day of my life, even worse than being diagnosed with cancer," the Sun quoted Onuoha as saying. "I couldn't understand how anyone could behave like that. I'm critically ill. I just cried and cried for hours."

City's board then began an investigation.

"As a result, the club can confirm that there is foundation to Dr. Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologize to Dr. Onuoha for any distress caused," City's statement said. "Following the findings of the review, Chief Executive Officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the board."

Director John MacBeath will take over as temporary CEO of the and work with the board to find a permanent replacement for Cook.

Owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has already spent more than $1 billion to bring in players since acquiring the club in September 2008.

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