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Panthers' Vincent Viola withdraws from Army secretary nomination

NHL, Florida Panthers

The billionaire owner of the NHL Florida Panthers has withdrawn his nomination to be the Secretary of the Army.

Vincent Viola, founder of trading firm Virtu Financial Inc., told President Trump on Friday he would be unable to serve because he was unable to distance himself from his business ties.

"I appreciate the confidence President Trump showed in me," Viola said in a statement. "I offer my continued support for President Trump and his administration and look forward to redoubling my efforts to support the Army and its veterans as private citizens."

Viola is a West Point graduate and a former Army infantry officer.

The Panthers updated their jerseys last year with a crest that was inspired by an armed forces insignia, reportedly as a nod to Florida's military communities and Viola's Army ties.

Viola founded Virtu Financial, an electronic market-making firm, in 2008, after serving as chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange from 2001 to 2004. His net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion.

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