The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority voted 5-4 to fire General Manager Robert "Flash" Gordon Friday morning.

The vote followed a heated debate about the role management played dealing with the Augusta Colts.

At one point, it got so heated the Colts' General Manager, John Sisson, stormed out of the room.

At times, Gordon spoke directly to Sisson, questioning his skills as a manager. "I'm a little insulted when someone is questioning my integrity," Sisson said.

The Colts' General Manager says the authority didn't properly safeguard the team's $50,000 turf and didn't start selling tickets early enough. Thursday, the two sides reached an agreement allowing the season to proceed.

Gordon was hired in 2006 in hopes of bringing more musical acts to the arena. But some board members say this was the last of many mistakes.

Just last week the arena was nearly left with no caterer after negotiations fell through.

And board members have complained Gordon failed to sell tickets and bring big shows.

Six months ago the board's Chairman told NBC Augusta that had to change.

"Flash has been here six months, I think if in the next six months we don't see a turnaround, I think we need to go elsewhere," said Harry Moore, in September, 2007.

Six months later -- other board members say Flash deserved another chance.

"We're bringing on a new person who would handle all the duties there were concerns about Mr. Gordon not handling, should have solved that problem," said board member Keith Brown. "Why we took this action today, I'm really not sure about."

The Coliseum Authority has struggled over the last few years to keep a general manager.

In 2002, Reggie Williams was fired as general manager following what he called a "strained" relationship with some board members.

Larry Rogers took the position in late 2003 before resigning and being replaced by Gordon.

Augusta's Legislative Delegation and city commissioners have been in talks for weeks about restructuring or possibly getting rid of the Coliseum Authority.

The Coliseum Authority oversees Augusta's James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium.

Members of Augusta's Legislative Delegation tell NBC Augusta today's move and the Colts controversy might accelerate plans to revamp the authority.

State Senator Ed Tarver says he thinks the board needs to be smaller, and members should be required to have a background in events and entertainment.

He says the issues with the Colts indicate a bigger problem.

"You're in the business of promoting events, selling tickets," Tarver said. "If we're not doing these kind of things, it's very difficult to be effective and successful with the operation of the Coliseum.

Senator Tarver says he expects a bill to reform the authority will pass during this legislative session.