PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey said the head of the state Department of Weights and Measures was fired for planning a Super Bowl sting operation to get ridesharing companies off the road.

The Arizona Capitol Times reported that Ducey made the revelation Friday while speaking at a Republican National Committee meeting at a Scottsdale resort.

Ducey did not reference the department director by name but he dismissed interim director Shawn Marquez in January.

Marquez said the allegation that he wanted to set up a sting against companies such as Uber and Lyft "is a straight up lie."

Governor spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said Ducey stands by his remarks.

Ducey has taken a much more friendly approach to ridesharing businesses. He signed legislation in April that will allow them to legally operate.