The Buffalo Bills have dismissed two high-ranking officials in their organizations.

John Roth, chief operating officer and executive vice president for both the Bills and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, as well as Kathryn D'Angelo, who served as the Senior Vice President and general counsel for the Bills, were both relieved of their positions on Wednesday, October 11.

Their termination resulted from their romantic involvement, which was deemed professionally unethical, particularly because D'Angelo reported directly to Roth within the organizational structure.

The Bills and Sabres are both owned by businessman Terry Pegula.

"Both Kathryn and I wish the Pegulas the best of luck, and we think the world of Terry, Kim and Laura, and the rest of the team. And we will be cheering the Bills and Sabres on from afar," Roth said in an interview with the Associated Press.

The dismissals were described as abrupt, and both the Bills and Sabres are currently conducting an external search to find replacements for these crucial positions.

Roth and D'Angelo's positions within the Bills

Roth had become the COO of the Buffalo Bills in July, holding the same title for the Buffalo Sabres, which he had taken on last January.

On the other hand, D'Angelo assumed her role as general counsel earlier this year. She had been a part of the Bills organization for seven years, also holding a position on the team's management committee while serving as Senior Vice President.