Michael Jordan could come to Charlotte's NBA expansion team

03/01/2003

By TONY BURBECK / 6NEWS


Michael Jordan has talked with NBA expansion team owner Robert Johnson about a possible job with the team, sources tell 6NEWS.

Jordan, who plays for the Washington Wizards, is retiring at the end of the season and he likes to change his mind.

Broadcast reports say Jordan has spoken with Johnson on several occasions, including last month. Both have proposed hypothetical situations, including what Jordan's title and responsibilities would be.

"There have been a lot of rumors ever since Johnson got the team that we was talking with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson,” said Charlotte Business Journal reporter Erik Spanberg. “Michael is not saying anything. All he says is that he's going back into the front office of the Wizards, but certainly this is Carolina, this is home.”

Spanberg said former Hornets executive and current Charlotte Checkers investor Carl Scheer is almost on board as a consultant.

"I think what it does is it really gives them another strong connection to the business community in town which is so important is selling those suites and club seats and getting those high dollar sponsorships,' Spanberg said.

Johnson says he wants some local ownership. A list could be out this spring, but 6NEWS has learned that Johnson has been talking to race team owner and former Hornet investor Felix Sabates, as well as businessmen and investors Dick Spangler, Jim Mattay, and Hugh McColl.

"Robert Johnson does not need the money,” Spanberg said. “But he does need the local ties and local partnerships. Hugh McColl told me this week he's definitely in."

Spanberg says the thing to look for now is whether Jerry Richardson, who owns the Carolina Panthers football team, makes that list.

Spanberg says Erskine Bowles said no to a potential local investor, but said yes to buy a season ticket.

 

Jerry Richardson cannot be an investor due to ownership laws and conflicts in the National Football League.

Look for Dale Jarrett to be an investor, however.