Following one of the biggest public blunders ever, Kelly Slater’s premature title crowning at the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco, and the considerable amount of bad press the ASP copped in the first half of the year, somebody had to go. Aie aie aie!

Check the official ASP press release below, keeping a positive spin on the whole affair with a focus on the reappearance of Tavarua on the world tour for next year.

SAN FRANCISCO, California/USA (Wednesday, November 9, 2011) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) announced today that it has accepted the resignation of CEO Brodie Carr, effective December 31 of this year.

Mr. Carr has tendered his resignation as CEO on the heels on the premature crowning of Kelly Slater as the 2011 ASP World Champion last week in San Francisco.

“It is my duty to accept responsibility for the recent calculation error that resulted in the premature crowning of Kelly Slater’s 11th ASP World Title,” Brodie Carr said. “The determination of the ASP World Title is the most important moment in professional surfing. Ultimately, the responsibility for every activity within ASP lies with me. Therefore, I have elected to resign my position as CEO.”

Richard Grellman, Independent Chairman of the ASP Board, will temporarily act as Executive Chairman while a global search for a new CEO is undertaken.

“The Board of Directors met today and reluctantly accepted the resignation of Brodie Carr,” Richard Grellman said. “We would like to recognize his valuable contribution over the last six years and wish him every success in the future.”

Slater, who officially confirmed his 2011 ASP World Title on Sunday at Ocean Beach, will join the remainder of the ASP Top 34 at the 11th and final event of the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pipe Masters, from December 8 – 20, 2011.