Randy Sexton spoke to the South Florida
media on Wednesday from Pittsburgh where he and his family have
gathered to visit Ray Shero and his family after the death of Shero's
mother Mariette this past weekend.
Sexton, who has always been a class act with us, was very candid again on Wednesday.
While he was disappointed he was replaced as GM of the Panthers in less than one year, he says it's all about the Panthers and if this is the best move for the franchise, he's cool with it.
Sexton added that he would come back to the franchise if new general manager Dale Tallon wants him to.
"First and foremost, for those who have been around, you all know how much I love the Panthers,'' Sexton said. “In my four years, I spent every ounce of energy to try and help out. I also know at end of the day, it's not about me. It's about the team. The most important thing is the franchise. I completely respect the ownership for putting the people they want in place to lead. I'm disappointed, but I fully respect their prerogative.
“Dale has done a terrific job in Chicago and deserves an awful lot of the credit for the team we watch today in Chicago. He put that team together. He'll be a terrific leader in Florida. He's a very worthy choice for the Panthers.''
On pushing ahead after the ownership told him Bill Torrey was looking for a new GM:
“I had a responsibility to push the franchise forward as much as I could,'' Sexton said. “That's what I worked on. It was important to get the draft choices signed, make sure Rochester had the most successful postseason possible.
"No one was in place, someone had to do the work. I undertook it with a lot of energy every day. Most important thing was the team and the franchise. The work needed to be done so I did it.''
On his future:
“It's far too early,'' he said. “I just got the news of the decision a few days ago.
“I would welcome the opportunity to stay with the organization if Dale thought I could help. I also know how the business works. If Dale wants to go in a different direction, I totally understand. I just need some time to collect my thoughts, spend some quiet time with my wife and kids. I told Dale I would help in any way I could. We'll talk when he gets back to Florida. I still have a contract with Florida and will fulfill it as much as Dale wants me to.''
“This is not about me, but about the team. I believe that in good times and in tough times like this. The Panthers are in a position to continue to build and thrive. If I'm part of that fine. If not, I'll move on to my next opportunity.''
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