A sad overcast has descended upon Washington: The man who brought major league hockey and basketball teams to the Nation’s Capital in the 1970s — and once famously fired basketball legend Michael Jordan — died Tuesday.

Washington Wizards owner, Abe Pollin, passed away at his home in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, Maryland this afternoon, Washington Sports & Entertainment said in a statement. He was 85. Since becoming owners in 1964, Pollin and his wife Irene are the longest-tenured owners in the NBA.

“With Abe Pollin’s passing, 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. “During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all. We extend our deepest sympathies to Irene and his two sons, to whom he was so very devoted, and to the entire Pollin family.”

To learn more about the life and legacy of Abe Pollin, visit The Washington Post.com…..