Report: Larry Bird Stepping Down As President Of Pacers
BOSTON (CBS) - Larry Bird is stepping down as president of the Indian Pacers, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Bird -- who was named Executive of the Year this season -- is "100 percent sure" he will not return as president of the team, a source told the Star on Monday. He is expected to meet with team owner Herb Simon on Tuesday to finalize his departure.
The Pacers made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 this season, falling to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The 55-year-old Bird had been working year-to-year, avoiding a long-term commitment to the team.
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The Star cites health issues as one of the reasons Bird is stepping down. However, the three-time NBA Champ is likely taking a year off before deciding if he wants to return.
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Last month, Bird became the first person to be named Executive of the Year, Coach of the Year (1998 with the Pacers), and Most Valuable Player (which he won three-times with the Celtics).
Donny Walsh, who is coming of his own year hiatus from basketball, could possibly take over for Bird in Indiana.
