(Sports Network) - The San Antonio Spurs announced on Tuesday that Russ Bookbinder, executive vice president/business operations, has resigned. Bookbinder first joined the organization in January of 1988 as the team's executive vice president. At the time the Spurs had 25 employees, averaged just over 8,000 fans a game at the HemisFair Arena and had never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

However, in the past 10 seasons the Spurs have won four NBA Championships and over the last six seasons, since moving to the AT&T Center in 2002, have averaged 18,387 fans per game.

Now Spurs Sports and Entertainment has over 200 employees and operates four professional sports teams, including the Spurs, the Rampage, the Silver Stars and the Austin Toros and also manages the AT&T Center.

"There are a number of factors that go into making a decision of this magnitude," said Bookbinder. "This is a unique business. The passion it takes, the time you have to give and the day-to-day stress - being emotionally attached to four different teams - takes a toll. For me it is the right time to take a step back, take a deep breath and reflect."

Bookbinder has worked in pro sports since graduating from the University of Florida in 1974. Prior to joining the Spurs he also worked in management positions for the Denver Nuggets, the San Diego Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks.





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