As you’ve probably heard by now, Abe Pollin, Chairman of Washington Sports & Entertainment, passed away today at the age of 85.
It’s truly a sad day for the Wizards franchise, fans, and the entire Washington metropolitan area … something which I cannot really express in this hastily put together post.
Pollin, just shy of his 86th birthday (December 3rd, which also is ‘Abe Pollin Day’ in Washington, D.C.) is survived by his wife, and co-owner of WSE, Irene. He was involved in ownership of the team for over 45 years.
The team has issued this statement:
Washington Sports & Entertainment Chairman Abe Pollin passed away earlier today. Further details will be released through Washington Sports & Entertainment as they become available. The Pollin family asks that their privacy be respected in this difficult time.
[...] Either way, condolences go out to the Pollin family. If you wish, send your regards at Bullets Forever or Truth About It. [...]
[...] The first game on tap is the one that has the Philadelphia 76′ers going to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards in front of 14,485 fans. For the Wizs it’s the duo of Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood. Jamison, starting at the power forward position, gets 41 minutes in all and does plenty with the time on the floor. The ex NPOY gets a huge double double, scoring 32 points (13 for 23 ~ 1 for 4 ~ 5 for 6) to go with 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal (along with a couple of turnovers). For Haywood a much quieter night, as he plays 34 minutes scoring eight points (4 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with eight boards (5 offensive), an assist and a steal. In the end, in a very tight game at the Verizon Center, it’s Washington beating Philadelphia by one, with the final tally being 108 to 107. The win brings the Wizards to a record of 4 and 9. Bullets Forever, a SB Nation blog, has their recap of the game. Let me just say that while I do not follow the NBA that much I too would like to extend my condolences to the Pollin and Wizards’ family for the lost of Mr. Abe Pollin. From the blog Truth About It, here is a piece about the owner of the Wizs: Rest In Peace Abe Pollin: Wizards Owner Passes at 85 [...]