Penn out as Portland's VP of basketball operations

Mar 17, 2010 - 5:13 PM PORTLAND, Ore.(AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers have dismissed Tom Penn as vice president of basketball operations.

The team issued a statement that said Penn was dismissed Tuesday for "philosophical differences." No details were offered.

Penn, who was regarded as a salary cap specialist, joined the Blazers as an assistant general manager in 2007.

He was a candidate for the general manager's job with the Minnesota Timberwolves last May. He removed himself from consideration when the Blazers promoted him.