Herb Simon doesn't know where the rumors started, he just knows they're wrong.
Despite his franchise -- the Indiana Pacers -- losing millions of dollars while suffering through yet another losing season, the Pacers owner said he has no intentions of selling or moving the team. Simon said, "There was an article in Forbes -- and I don't know where it came from -- but there's been no talk with anyone about selling this team. I'll continue to own this team."
In an interview with Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star, Simon touches on subjects involving team president Larry Bird (he's staying as long as he wants), coach Jim O'Brien (he's staying as long as Bird wants) and why the team will never tank at the end of the season (that's not what the fans want). Although Simon has made an effort since the Brawl to be more involved with the team and how the front office operates, the interview shows that Simon still has absolute trust in Bird and how he's running the franchise, and he'll take a backseat in order to show his support. His trust continues despite the fact that the blue and gold's "gross is down like half of what it was when we were winning," Simon said. "We have a lot of room to improve."
Simon also feels good about the Pacers' draft position despite dropping nearly eight spots in the past three weeks. He cites Reggie Miller and Danny Granger as lower picks who worked out extremely well for the Pacers. Some call that luck and could show Simon a list of 30 lower draft picks who didn't work out in Indiana. But Simon is steadfast in his belief that the Pacers should not, and will not, ever tank a season for a draft pick.
Simon said, "That doesn't feel good and it's not the right way to do it. The fans who come out every game expect us to do our best and try our best and play our best. That's what this franchise stands for."
Check out more links after the jump.
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Gordon Hayward answer to Pacers' prayers
The Indianapolis Business Journal is convinced that Gordon Hayward could turn around the Pacers financial fortunes by obtaining a roster spot on the team. Flashes of Steve Alford and Reggie Miller in 1987 cross my mind. -
Continuity key to Pacers' late surge
Bruno comments on what the key has been to helping the blue and gold have so much success in the final weeks of the regular season. -
Pacers Planned to Sign Marcus Williams, But Plans Changed?
Stay tuned to SB Nation's Ridiculous Upside today for more updates regarding the Pacers situation with D-Leaguer Marcus Williams. After RealGM's Andrew Perna wrote yesterday that it was the Pacers who declined to offer Williams a roster spot, Scott Schroeder is hearing something different. He's expected to post more on the subject today. -
Boomer Camps Out For Common Goal
Boomer is doing some good things for the local community. -
Cavs to Play Today, Rest Tomorrow
Waiting For Next Year reports that the Cavs are expected to rest many of their stars for tonight's game against the Pacers in Cleveland. -
Pacers-Cavaliers Preview
Preview for tonight's matchup. -
Butler is keeping its top dawg
Not only does the news that owner Herb Simon think that Jim O'Brien will return as coach next season end any coaching change rumors, but Butler coach Brad Stevens is definitely off the radar for the next decade after signing a long, long extension with the Bulldogs on Thursday.