26 November 2009 / REUTERS, WASHINGTON
Long-time Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin died on Tuesday at the age of 85, his company Washington Sports & Entertainment said in a statement.
Pollin, the longest-serving owner in the NBA who was renowned for his philanthropic work, had been suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disorder that impairs movement and balance. “The NBA family has lost its most revered member, whose stewardship of the Wizards franchise, together with his wife Irene, has been a study in unparalleled dedication to the city of Washington,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement. “During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all.” Pollin and his investment group bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964 before moving the team to the Washington area in 1973. The franchise, which won the NBA title in 1978 by beating the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games, was renamed the Wizards in 1997 because Pollin felt “Bullets” had negative connotations.
