Michael Jordan and the Wizards "have discussed the
possibility of Jordan joining the franchise as head of
basketball operations and perhaps eventually assuming an
ownership role," according to Wyche & Solomon in a front
page report in today's WASHINGTON POST. While Jordan could
take the role of head of basketball operations, Wyche &
Solomon add that negotiating a deal to "include a piece of
the franchise would be complicated" for the Wizards due to
their current ownership structure. Capitals co-Owners Ted
Leonsis and Jonathan Ledecky have a minority interest in
Washington Sports & Entertainment (WSE) that gives them "the
right of first refusal to buy the Wizards and the rest" of
WSE's holdings when Wizards Owner Abe Pollin decides to
sell. The sources say that "if Jordan were to become
involved in the organization, he would get a stake in the
team when Pollin ... decides to sell his holdings." But
Pollin "reiterated" in a memo to WSE employees last week
that he "is in no hurry to give up control" of the team.
Pollin: "I am not selling the Wizards. I am not selling the
MCI Center. ... I am the boss now and plan to remain the
boss for many years to come" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/13). DC's
News Channel 8 reported that Jordan would become part-owner
of the team with Leonsis in a deal that "could be in place"
by the NBA All-Star Game next month (AP, 1/13).
MICHAEL SEES MJ AS THE SAVIOR: In DC, Michael Wilbon
writes, "If ever there was a franchise that should take a
chance, this is one. And if ever there was a guy to take a
chance on, it's Jordan. ... In the nearly 20 years I've been
here, I've never seen people as
angry/apathetic/depressed/resentful of the ... franchise as
they've been this week" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/13).
MORE CHANGES: Also in DC, Jason La Canfora reports that
the Caps ownership group, Lincoln Holdings, is "expected to
announce" a new partner today. The current group includes
Leonsis, Ledecky and Dick Patrick (WASHINGTON POST, 1/13).
