The Colorado man who pleaded guilty to leaking secret grand jury transcripts in a federal steroids probe is resigning as commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The PRCA says Troy Ellerman resigned as commissioner yesterday, with the resignation to take effect immediately.
In court papers filed Thursday, Ellerman acknowledged that he had allowed two newspaper reporters to look at transcripts of grand jury testimony from baseball stars Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield, and sprinter Tim Montgomery.
Ellerman says he believes it's in the best interests of the Colorado Springs-based PRCA to step down, noting it's "been an honor to serve."
Ellerman was said to be the lawyer for founders of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, the operation at the center of the steroids scandal that rocked the professional sports world.
Ellerman faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he's sentenced June 14th.