When Earl “The Pearl” Monroe was in Washington just prior to the passing of Abe Pollin on Nov. 24, the former Baltimore Bullets legend thought about calling his former owner but didn’t because he was uncomfortable not having Pollin’s direct phone number.
When Monroe learned of Pollin’s passing only after returning home to New York, it taught him a lesson, one he relayed to a crowd of around 1,000 who came to Verizon Center on Tuesday to remember the late businessman, philanthropist and Washington Wizards owner.
“For all us, when we have it in our minds that there are things that we want to do, we should go ahead and do it because we never know if we’ll get the chance to do it again,” said Monroe.
At a podium set upon the arena’s basketball court, community and district leaders, such as Mayor Adrian Fenty, former and current players, NBA commissioner David Stern and family members all had fond memories.
“The one thing that he always emphasized was the partnership that was the league,” said Stern. “‘If you need me, I’m there for the league.'”
Wizards forward Antawn Jamison said Pollin had believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself. Bullets legend Wes Unseld didn’t think it was an occasion to be sad but found grief in just one respect.
“I kind of feel sorry for you guys,” said Unseld to the current Wizards players and coaching staff in attendance. “I don’t know how many owners most of you will have during the course of your career. All I could wish is that you will have the opportunity to have one like I had.”
