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Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

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  • Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

    http://www.nba.com/pacers/around_the...ert_simon.html

    Eddie White: Its time for Around the House. We’re taking a look behind the scenes with the Pacers, the Fever, Conseco Fieldhouse. We’re looking in the kitchen. We’re looking in the bathroom. We’re looking in the drive way. Everything. We’re looking around the house. And who better than the guy who owns the house, who runs the house, the boss, our owner, Herb Simon. Mr. Simon, how are you?

    Herbert Simon: How do you do today?

    White: I’m doing wonderful, sir. Take me back - the streets of New York. You are a young lad - 8, 9 years old, maybe playing stick ball or listening to the Giants or the Dodgers. If someone came up to you and to say, “Come over. I’ve got an ice cream cone for ya. You are going to grow up and you are going to live and be successful in Indianapolis, Indiana.” What would you have said?

    Simon: Really? I never would expect that. Yes.

    White: The story of how you got out here is incredible. Please share it with us.

    Simon: Well, just an older brother of mine was stationed out a Fort Benjamin Harrison. Decided to get married to a local woman and stay here. And he was involved peripherally with some real estate at the time. And I was just graduating college and he just kept insisting that I come out and join him. And of course, I was … couldn’t think of Indianapolis after New York, but he finally convinced me and it was the best decision I ever made in my life.

    White: When you look back at those early years in New York, there had to be some things that built at your core, your foundation that made you and your brothers successful. You brought that to your business; you brought that to the Pacers. What are some of those things that you look back and go, “boy, when I was little, this little thing that my dad told me or my mom told me…”

    Simon: I don’t think it was any one thing, but I think especially with Mel being the oldest, he knew that he had to get out of the Bronx someday, and there were bigger worlds to conquer. And, he just dragged me along with him.

    White: Way back when, in the early 80’s what was the motivation for you guys to say, “You know what, we will buy this basketball team.” You know, its one thing to be a fan and sit in the stands and buy tickets – another thing to have that gumption and just go, “OK, we’re going to buy this thing.”

    Simon: Well, really we weren’t the type of owners that were seeking to buy a basketball team. We were minding our own business, building our company. And the powers to be, the mayor and a bunch of other citizens came to us and said that the team is about to be sold and moved to Sacramento and we need to keep it here and would you and your brother buy it? So, we looked at each other and said, “Sure.” That’s how it happened. Little did I know that they went around trying to sell it to other people in the city and they all said no. But we were very happy we bought it and now our desire is to make this thing economically viable so this thing can stay here long after I’m gone.

    White: There is an owner with the National Football League named Dan Snyder with the Washington Red Skins, he once said, “It took me a while, but I figured it out. I may own the Red Skins, but the team belongs to the fans and to the people of DC.” Do you understand that? Do you get what he is saying?

    Simon: Yes, not only for the fans, but for the community and the city and the … it’s a very important part of our community here, our way of life. It adds to everything. So, yes, we know its way beyond just the owner.

    White: People were … one of the things that separates the Pacers, I think from other teams in then NBA and in the NFL to be quite frank, is you built a management team here, a senior team, that is like a Mt. Rushmore of our civic and sports leaders – Jim Morris, everybody knows him, Rick Fuson, Larry Bird, I mean this is a Mt. Rushmore. With those people, what is your role exactly as the CEO and the owner and how do you blend in with those guys?

    Simon: Mainly, as a second guesser.

    White: You are probably pretty good at that.

    Simon: I really believe that you hire good talented people and you let them run their sections. And of course they ask for my input and I give my input, but I’m really satisfied with what each one of those people do and they do very well.

    White: Your franchise has brought many memories to fans on the court and many good things to people around the state with, I think you have one of the most aggressive community active organizations in all of sports. When you look back, what do you want your legacy to be and this team’s legacy to be here in Indianapolis?

    Simon: Well, I want us to be a very important part of the community. I want us to give back to the community. I want to bring joy and excitement to the fans. Just like this guy did for a couple of years, Reggie Miller. And I want to get back to those times of excitement and we are on our way.

    White: We wish you the best. Thank you so much for being the first guest, the inaugural on Around the House.

    Simon: Thank you.

    White: Thank you. Take care. God bless.

  • #2
    Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

    Simon: Well, really we weren’t the type of owners that were seeking to buy a basketball team. We were minding our own business, building our company. And the powers to be, the mayor and a bunch of other citizens came to us and said that the team is about to be sold and moved to Sacramento and we need to keep it here and would you and your brother buy it? So, we looked at each other and said, “Sure.” That’s how it happened. Little did I know that they went around trying to sell it to other people in the city and they all said no. But we were very happy we bought it and now our desire is to make this thing economically viable so this thing can stay here long after I’m gone.
    First of all, wow. That's incredible how close it came to all ending. I didn't realize we were almost the Sacramento Pacers.

    Secondly, notice the last part there. I know people are calling BS, but I've never seen him imply anything other than the idea that this franchise does not make money, and in fact, is probably losing money each year.

    I don't pretend to understand why that is, but I tend to believe him.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

      Originally posted by Hicks View Post
      First of all, wow. That's incredible how close it came to all ending. I didn't realize we were almost the Sacramento Pacers.

      Secondly, notice the last part there. I know people are calling BS, but I've never seen him imply anything other than the idea that this franchise does not make money, and in fact, is probably losing money each year.

      I don't pretend to understand why that is, but I tend to believe him.
      I agree with you. Maybe the Simons were always just good PR people, but whenever I read anything about them or what they have said they have never given me a reason to think they are lying.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

        After reading the interview, it made me even more proud that the Simons bought the Indiana Pacers and have kept them a strong franchise since.

        Interesting how the Kings wound up being the team going to Sacramento from Kansas City after all.

        It was crazy at that time. So many unstable franchises.

        EDIT: The second part of that line Hicks posted makes things interesting. I really would not be surprised if Steve Simon, Herb's son becomes the new owner. I think he would make a good owner and carry on the passion his father and uncle brought since they purchased the team. Plus he has a passion for the sport as he owns the Reno Bighorns and a good business background because of the Simon family business.

        These days, if it's not him. Owners are coming all over the place to own teams and at that time the Simon brothers from NY were the Pacers' saviors. Today's Pacers, they aren't bankrupt and have some nice things to show to lure outside buyers.
        Last edited by Trophy; 07-01-2011, 10:28 PM.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

          I find it kind of ironic that the Pacers were going to end up in Sacramento, considering their current plight.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

            Originally posted by Shade View Post
            I find it kind of ironic that the Pacers were going to end up in Sacramento, considering their current plight.
            It's actually really amazing how old Arco Arena really is and how outdated it's become compared to the arenas of today's modern society like the Fieldhouse.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

              The Simons have been too good to us.

              Made sure Indiana always and forever remained the home for the Pacers and I don't see that changing.

              They got us Conseco Fieldhouse built. We contended for 9 straight seasons up until 2007.

              I have a ton of confidence he will find an owner he can trust and be happy handing his team over to and us fans will be happy.

              This franchise has so much to be proud of. Both in the past and today. Billionaires are always interested in buying a franchise no matter where.

              I feel like some people on here get a bit concerned over that. I guess anything can happen, but you don't see franchises like us leaving due to ownership considering we don't have any kind of reason to live Indianapolis. It's a great city and it needs its Pacers.

              Franchises leave for these reasons arena and/or lack of support since playing there from fans and especially the city.

              Neither of those apply to the Pacers.

              Just wait. In a few more years when Herb is ready to sell, this team will be contending and the Fieldhouse will be packed again. I can't imagine anyone not finding that appealing and this is the state of basketball.

              Also, I've only known the Simon Pacers since being a fan so it's going to be weird to see a new person taking over the throne.
              In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                Redskins is one word

                A great article, and crazy to think how close the Pacers were to moving. I had always heard times were rough, but I did not realize they were that close to just packing up and leaving

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                  The way Ive heard the story, Nassi (the owner at the time) had found a group in Sacramento who were ready to buy the team when the Simons stepped in.

                  It was THAT close.
                  "Nobody wants to play against Tyler Hansbrough NO BODY!" ~ Frank Vogel

                  "And David put his hand in the bag and took out a stone and slung it. And it struck the Philistine on the head and he fell to the ground. Amen. "

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                    It's amazing how a team went WAY down and since the Simons took over become one of the most dominant franchises out there.

                    They built this team into a team to be proud of.

                    Got one of the greatest players in Reggie, took it to the 2000 Finals in today's Conseco Fieldhouse. Contending year after year.

                    The Pacers have always resembles true Hoosiers.

                    Today, this franchise is finally back on track after slipping at falling back in attendance and having to rebuild after the brawl. The Simons, really Herb now is the one who brought back the pride and got this city excited again for the young team.

                    Things are a lot better these days for this franchise than it was when the Simons bought them. Those who will be interested will love to own this franchise. Playing in the Fieldhouse, in the state of basketball, having a great group of players (who by then hopefully will be in the playoffs nonstop).

                    We will be in Indy for many more years and the Indiana basketball pride will continue.

                    Again, I don't know why some people on here think we can move once Simon is ready to sell. WHY? Why would this franchise ever move with what it has?

                    We will find an owner for the Indiana Pacers. Ownership transitions happen all the time and teams don't move. Indianapolis is a great city so someone like the Simons could along wanting to buy a franchise from somewhere else.

                    This isn't the Sacramento Kings (of today) who barely have an arena and the Seattle SuperSonics who did move for that reason or the New Orleans Hornets who have had no support since moving to NO and the fact that their owners didn't do anything to get them a new owner screws them over.

                    You didn't see the Pistons leave Detroit while they waited on ownership.

                    It is a lot to move a franchise and some people just don't use their head and think it's that easy.

                    Being around since 1967 and what we have today, we have no reason in the book to ever leave Indianapolis.

                    Okay, I got those positives out there, but hey it's the truth and I'm not saying it because I'm a Pacers fan.
                    In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                      Originally posted by Sandman21 View Post
                      The way Ive heard the story, Nassi (the owner at the time) had found a group in Sacramento who were ready to buy the team when the Simons stepped in.

                      It was THAT close.

                      This was, of course, before the Internet. I went to bed thinking we had lost the team to Sacramento. I was sick. The deadline was that night and it was over. They were gone. Then, my dad got me up in the morning to tell me they had been saved by a couple of brothers. It was such an amazing feeling!!

                      The Kansas City Kings then moved to Sacramento.
                      Last edited by Granville; 07-09-2011, 11:03 AM. Reason: Formatting

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                        Originally posted by Scot Pollard View Post
                        The Simons have been too good to us.
                        ...

                        I have a ton of confidence he will find an owner he can trust and be happy handing his team over to and us fans will be happy.

                        I'm saving up my money now... anyone else want in on this?

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                          Originally posted by MnvrChvy View Post
                          I'm saving up my money now... anyone else want in on this?
                          I've got $3 in my wallet, I'll throw in.

                          I LOL'd when I read the Simons' reaction to being offered the team. An NBA franchise, millions/billions of dollars involved, a completely different business than what they had been in, and they just look at each other, shrug their shoulders, and say, "Sure." That's just incredible.
                          It's a new day for Pacers Basketball.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                            Oh yeah, the Pacers were as good as gone. No doubt about that. The Simon's were the last hope.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Eddie White interviews Herb Simon

                              The Pacers were in a horrible position back then.

                              Times were bad.

                              I don't think we can say enough how grateful we are that the Simons saved a very low franchise not doing much and turned it to one of the most decarated NBA franchises.

                              Times are a lot better now for sure. Should be interesting who our next owner will be once Herb decides to sell.

                              Someone in Indy? Someone out there...
                              In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

                              Comment

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