Report: Larry Bird Stepping Down as President of Pacers

by Ricky Doyle on Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 7:49AM

Larry Bird's tenure as president of the Indiana Pacers appears to be nearing its end.

Bird is "100 percent" sure that he won't return to the team, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Bird coached the Pacers for three seasons from 1997-2000 before returning as the team's president of basketball operations in 2003. The longtime Celtic great was even named NBA Executive of the Year this past season after the Pacers finished third in the Eastern Conference. Indiana went on to dispose of the Orlando Magic in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year before eventually falling to the Miami Heat in six games in Round 2.

Rumors regarding Bird's departure have swirled in the past, as he's been reluctant to make a long-term commitment to the club, but this time it appears he's definitely leaving. He is reportedly expected to meet with team owner Herb Simon on Tuesday to finalize his departure.

Bird continues to deal with some health issues, and will likely take a year off before deciding if he wants to return to any sort of front office position, according to the Indianapolis Star.