Travis Loyd, the now former deputy director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), resigned last week.

Loyd, who held the post since 2010, resigned after coming under fire for taking part in fishing tournaments last summer while he was on paid sick leave.

The ex-DNR official, who said the agency asked him to resign last Thursday, earned income while competing in the tournaments. Loyd argues that his doctor advised him to find ways to be stress-free while taking a leave of absence.

“I understand that the fishing aspect is somewhat awkward. It’s not an everday job that you do,” Loyd told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s what I do all the time, so while to the public, fishing represents a can of beer and a pack of worms, … the doctor recognized in consultation it was a stress-free zone for me.”

DNR policy, however, states that employees can be let go if they seek out employment someplace else while on medical-related leave.

“All state employees are required to follow the rules that govern state employee benefit time,” DNR spokesman Chris McCloud told the newspaper. “While the agency was aware of Mr. Loyd’s professional fishing career, state policies define how medical leave can be used. We have accepted Mr. Loyd’s resignation.”