Arnie Fielkow
New Orleans City Council Vice President Arnie Fielkow announced today in a statement that he is resigning from the City Council, effective Oct. 1. He says he has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
[Read Fielkow's full statement HERE]
Fielkow, who arrived in New Orleans nearly 12 years ago as a New Orleans Saints executive, admits he “dearly missed” the sports field and made today’s announcement “with a mixture of both joy and sorrow.” He is widely credited for saving the Saints in a time of huge uncertainty following Hurricane Katrina.
Fielkow says he has been both honored and privileged to serve the people of New Orleans.
“I continue to be awed each and every day by the resiliency, courage and passion of New Orleanians, and, under the leadership of Mayor Landrieu and the city council, have no doubt that New Orleans will soar in the future,” Fielkow said.
In his new position, Fielkow says he will work on initiatives around the globe designed to enhance the quality of life for all former NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters’ players.
A special election will be held this fall to replace Fielkow. In the interim, someone will be appointed by the Council.
