Washington, DC (My Sportsbook) - Abe Pollin, the owner of the Washington Wizards, announced on Wednesday that the team will not re-sign Michael Jordan as the club's President of Basketball Operations. Washington will immediately begin searching to fill the vacancy.

"I want to emphasize my sincere thanks to Michael for his time with this franchise," said Pollin. "While the roster of talent he has assembled here in Washington may not have succeeded to his and my expectations, I do believe Michael's desire to win and be successful is unquestioned. In the end, Ted (Leonsis) and I felt that this franchise should move in a different direction. I wish him only the very best in his future endeavors."

The decision was reached after Jordan, Pollin, Leonsis, Washington's Minority Owner, and attorneys for both Jordan and Pollin met Wednesday morning at the MCI Center.

Jordan released a statement Wednesday afternoon and appeared surprised by the decision.

"I came to Washington 3 1/2 years ago excited about the challenge of turning around this franchise. During my tenure, I dedicated myself to bringing excitement, credibility and my love of the game of basketball to Washington. It was well understood that when I finished playing, I would return as president of basketball operations and this was definitely my desire and intention.

"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.

"I want to thank the fans for the support I received during my 3 1/2 years here. 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."

Jordan was the team's President of Basketball Operations from January 2000 until September 2001, when he came out of retirement for the second time to return to play basketball. In the 3 1/2 years that Jordan was in the front office, a position he kept while he was playing, Washington managed just a 110-179 record, which was a contributing factor to Pollin's decision not to re-sign Jordan.

The 40-year-old Jordan guided the Wizards to back-to-back 37-45 seasons while he was on the court, but the team failed to reach the post-season in either season.

Jordan has said that the 2002-03 year, his 15th NBA season, would be his last and he will retire for good. For his career, the 13-time All-Star has the highest career average in NBA history (30.1 points per game) and also posted averages of 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per outing.

"I firmly believe that Michael's time with us as a player will have a lasting impact on every player on our roster, and there is no question that our fans were treated to a very unique two seasons, as the greatest player in the world completed his career here in Washington," said Pollin. "We were extremely fortunate to witness his final season."

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, had hoped to remain in the Wizards' front office once his playing days came to an end. However, he also expressed interest in possibly teaming up with Robert Johnson, the new owner of the expansion Charlotte franchise, about a possible management role in the new organization.