Orlando Magic CEO Vander Weide retires

ORLANDO -- 

Bob Vander Weide has resigned as CEO of the Orlando Magic, Bright House Sports Network learned Tuesday.

Alex Martins was named as Vander Weide's replacement.

Vander Weide was promoted to CEO in July 2010 after serving as the team's president for 16 years. 

"It was a good long run for 20 years," said Vander Weide on a phone call to BHSN's David Baumann.  "I originally committed for three years and stayed another 17. I'm very proud of the last four years. Especially, a trip to the finals a couple of years ago and winning season after winning season." 

He began his career with the Magic in 1992 as vice president of basketball operations.  His contract with the Magic runs through Dec. 31.  Vander Weide will remain with the Magic in a consulting role. 

"This move allows me to be more of a fan than an executive," Vander Weide noted. 

Vander Weide confirmed that he made a 1 a.m. phone call in recent days to Magic superstar Dwight Howard, and Howard thought Vander Weide may have been intoxicated. On that call, Vander Weide told Howard how much the Magic wanted to keep him in Orlando. 

"I was playing paddle with friends and had a couple of glasses of wine," Vander Weide told BHSN.  "Maybe Dwight thought it was inappropriate to talk business after a couple of glasses of wine... Maybe I should have waited until the morning." 

Howard and Vander Weide have always had a solid relationship, according to Vander Weide. 

"We have a very good relationship," he said, also noting that Dwight's intentions are to see the Magic improve this season.  "I have a pretty clear understanding where Dwight's head is and that's between him and this organization." 

Vander Weide has also had the final say in free agency and in trades.  He told BHSN he believes the Magic might be able to cater to Howard's needs and acquire another NBA superstar. 

"It is certainly possible, teams like our assets," said Vander Weide in regard to a question about the potential to acquire either Chris Paul of the Hornets or Monta Ellis of the Warriors. 

Vander Weide has been in New York working on the new NBA collective bargaining agreement. 

"I felt engrained in the committees," Vander Weide said. "Part of the reason I'm stepping down from my role now is because I wanted to complete my role in the new CBA, planning committee and audit finance.  I am faithful to David Stern, I really wanted to get through the CBA."

A source close to the DeVos family indicated to BHSN there may have been marital problems between Vander Weide and his wife Cheri, who happens to be the daughter of Magic owner Rich DeVos.  Vander Weide denied any plan of a separation in his marriage.

"There is no divorce," Vander Weide told BHSN.  "Part of the reason for me to step down is to put more of a focus on family.  I have five kids; two in college, a 15-year-old, 13-year-old and nine-year-old and they deserve more attention than I have been able to give them in the past few years."