Scotts Miracle-Gro board members exit following bad language

Three Scotts Miracle-Gro board members resigned following the delivery of a unanimously supported reprimand of CEO Jim Hagedorn that stemmed from the use of inappropriate language.

Hagedorn apologized in a statement.

"While I have a tendency to use colorful language, I recognize my comments in this case were inappropriate and I apologize," Hagedorn said. "I, along with the rest of our board members, consider the matter resolved and I have made a personal commitment to prevent a future recurrence."

The three recent resignations came from Carl F. Kohrt, PhD, who recently accepted the position as president of his alma mater, Furman University in South Carolina; as well as John S. Shiely and William G. Jurgensen. The company says it will not fill the current vacancies.

The board will likely be reduced in size to eight to 10 members over time as part of the normal nominating and election process.

Scotts added that all three former board members confirmed that their departures were not related to any disagreement relating to the company's operations, policies, practices or financial reporting.

"Each of these board members served us well for many years, and I want to thank them for their counsel and contributions," said Hagedorn. "I wish them each well in their future endeavors."