As reported by the AP:

“When Donnie left, there was some reason for me to get more involved that I ever have been involved, and it’s a time in my life … where I have more time to devote to it,” the 73-year-old Simon said.

Larry Bird will remain as team president of basketball operations, and Jim O’Brien will remain as head coach.

The Pacers have endured back-to-back losing seasons now for the first time since the 1987-88 and 1988-89 seasons.

“I’m getting energized myself over this, and I’m excited,” Simon said. “I should have done this a long time ago. It seems like it’s going to be hard work, but it’s going to be rewarding, I believe, for everybody.”

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• Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.

Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.