DeVos Tips Hand on New Arena and Future Magic's Plans

ORLANDO-Bookmakers are giving short odds today on Orlando Magic staying here after their 2004 NBA season, particularly when team owner Rich DeVos criticized local hoteliers for not using part of their annual $110 million tourist tax revenue to pay for a new $250 million Downtown arena.

Hotel owners say if DeVos wants a new arena, he should pay for it himself. DeVos argues if the city wants to keep the Magic here, the city and the hoteliers should pay for the new court.

The billionaire co-founder of Amway home products broke his long silence on the new arena issue and the future plans for his team in off-the-cuff comments to the media before the start of the March 5 National Basketball Association game between the Magic and the Dallas Mavericks. (Orlando won, 95-81).