Moore Resigns as CEO, Director at Indian Wells

Raymond Moore has resigned as CEO and tournament director at Indian Wells, owner Larry Ellison announced Monday night.

Moore's resignation came one day after he said women players ride the coattails of the men. He later apologized, but his remarks drew widespread outrage.

"I think the WTA [Women's Tennis Association] ... you know, in my next life, when I come back, I want to be someone in the WTA because they ride on the coattails of the men," Moore said Sunday before Serena Williams faced Victoria Azarenka in the final of the BNP Paribas Open. "They don't make any decisions, and they are lucky. They are very, very lucky. If I was a lady player, I'd go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born because they have carried this sport. They really have."

Moore, 69, is a former professional player from South Africa. He was involved with the tournament at Indian Wells for 29 years as an owner and managing partner before he assumed his most recent post overseeing tournament operations and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2012. Years ago, Moore and another former player, Charlie Pasarell, started PM Sports Management, which oversaw the tournament as it expanded.

"Ray let me know that he has decided to step down from his roles as CEO and Tournament Director, effective immediately," Ellison said in a statement Monday night. "I fully understand his decision."