Update: Tim Leiweke Denies Reports He's Leaving MLSE

Earlier this afternoon, according to Elliotte Friedman, Tim Leiweke may be leaving his position as president & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment soon:

Hearing MLSE president/CEO Tim Leiweke will be leaving the company soon. (1/2)

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 19, 2014

Not sure of where he's going, but hearing the reason is he is looking for a new challenge.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 19, 2014

In just a little over a year, Leiweke has done a lot to strengthen the reputation and infrastructure of the the pro teams that fall under MLSE's control. Specifically with the Raptors, Leiweke was able to navigate through the departure of Bryan Colangelo and hiring of Masai Ujiri. He also established a partnership with Drake, bringing him on as the global ambassador of the team, and played a key part in helping Toronto land the 2016 NBA All-Star game.

Bruce Arthur of The Toronto Star lists several reasons why Leiweke may be looking for a change so soon:

I've heard Leiweke has been eyeing the exit door, just in case. Been reframing expectations for a while. And his family hated the winter.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) August 19, 2014

Also, Leiweke leaving could be tied to the likely demise for Toronto's NFL group. That was a priority for him.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) August 19, 2014

Soon after, Leiweke released a three-part statement via the MLSE PR account denying the report:

Tim Leiweke – President and CEO, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment - "Any report stating that I am leaving MLSE is untrue…" 1/3

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) August 19, 2014

"…We are completely focused on the seasons at hand and I am not thinking of anything else but that." 2/3

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) August 19, 2014

"…I am proud of all that we have accomplished here over the past year, but we have much more to do." 3/3

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) August 19, 2014