Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Vice Chief Eddie Sam has resigned, citing medical and personal reasons.

Sam served on the 17-member Tribal Council for three and a half years. He had been the target of two resolution campaigns to remove him from office with what he called vicious personal attacks.

Both resolutions failed in special referendum elections.

Sam says the controversy took a personal toll. He resigned Dec. 22.

He says Miko Beasley Denson will appoint someone to replace him, and the Tribal Council will elect a new vice chief. No date has been set for replacing Sam.