Jordan not returning to Wizards as president; thanks fans for support

Jet, May 26, 2003

The Washington Wizards and Michael Jordan have parted ways, ending a relationship that produced much fanfare but little success over 3 1/2 seasons, and that leaves Jordan looking elsewhere for another front-office position with an NBA team.

Disappointed with the team's poor record and infighting on and off the court, Wizards owner Abe Pollin told Jordan about his decision in a meeting at the team's arena.

Jordan was the Wizards' president before he carne out of retirement to play on the team the past two years. He retired for good last month and expected to return to the team's front office.

"This was definitely my desire and intention," the 40-year-old Jordan said in a statement. "However, today, without any prior discussion with me, ownership informed me that it had unilaterally decided to change our mutual long-term understanding.

"I am shocked by this decision, and by the callous refusal to offer me any justification for it."

A Wizards source told the Associated Press that Pollin's decision was based on three factors: player dissension, a franchise faltering after the years of Jordan in charge, and deteriorating relationships throughout the organization.

"In the end (part owner) Ted (Leonsis) and I felt that this franchise should move in a different direction," Pollin, 79, said in a statement."

The Wizards team hasn't won a playoff game since 1988, so Jordan was up for the challenge to put the franchise back on the map when he was hired in January 2000. However, his record was just 110-179 as the top decision-maker, a role he kept even after he returned as a player.

Though basketball's most popular figure helped sell out every home game for the last two seasons, the Wizards finished with a 37-45 record and did not make it to the playoffs.

"I want to thank the fans for the support I received during my 3 1/2 years here, Jordan said. "I have never backed down from a challenge, and I'm disappointed that I wasn't given the opportunity to make this franchise one of proud tradition. I will never forget the outpouring of affection I received from the fans."

Now Jordan is expected to explore front-office options with other teams, such as the new expansion franchise in Charlotte that is owned by Robert Johnson, the first Black team owner in history.