Packers VP Wied resigns, citing health issues

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Green Bay Packers vice president Jason Wied resigned Friday, citing his addiction to an herbal remedy he was using to treat sleep-related health issues.

Wied, the Packers' vice president of administration/general counsel, took an indefinite leave of absence from the team in November. In a statement issued Friday by the Packers, Wied says he has been dealing with sleep apnea and insomnia.

"This was a difficult decision but the right one for me," Wied said. "I've had some health issues, including sleep apnea and insomnia, for the last couple of years and have tried many treatments, herbal remedies and medications. Recently I developed a dependency on one of the herbal remedies that had been suggested and my long-term health became a real concern."

Wied said he entered a treatment center Nov. 7, with the support of his family and the team.

"While there I realized that I needed to make some changes and some tough choices - and I feel that moving on from my employment with the Packers will allow me to make the changes I need in my life right now," Wied said.

Wied, a Green Bay native, has played a critical role in the team's recent plans to expand Lambeau Field.

"Jason has been an integral part of the success the Packers organization has enjoyed over the past decade," Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said. "He has served in key roles for the Packers on many projects, including the 2003 redevelopment of Lambeau Field and the current expansion to the stadium, as well as the development and construction of Ray Nitschke Field, the team's training camp practice facility."

Wied initially joined the Packers in 2000 as staff counsel and was named vice president of administration/corporate counsel in 2007 before being promoted to vice president of administration/general counsel in 2008.

"Jason established good relations with community leaders which were very beneficial to the organization in many ways, including in the planning for potential development of the area around the stadium," Murphy said. "His work with the Packers board of directors and on NFL matters was invaluable as well."

His duties also included overseeing the team's administrative operations, community outreach, public relations and security departments.

"I consider myself fortunate to have worked here for 11 years," Wied said. "I'm very proud of what we accomplished and look forward to the continued success of the Packers on and off the field. As a fan and shareholder, I'll continue to cheer the Packers on every Sunday with my family by my side."