Mystics president Sheila Johnson went public Tuesday to try and rescue the fortunes of her struggling franchise.
In a call with reporters — prompted by the recent trade of veteran Taj McWilliams-Franklin, a move all but assuring that 2008 will be the latest dismal chapter in the team’s 11-year history — Johnson promised changes, saying, “we cannot continue on this path.”
The Mystics (10-16) also fired head coach Tree Rollins last month, but Johnson lamented the lack of talented athletes and scorers on Washington’s roster.
“The Mystics have been operating for too long without a long-term plan,” said Johnson. “In the three years that I have been an owner and a general partner, our thinking has been far too shortsighted and our player-personnel decisions are far too needs-based. That all ends today.”
Johnson, however, did give a vote of confidence to Linda Hargrove, who has been general manager since Johnson became part owner of the team.
“She’s done a wonderful job, and she knows what our new mission is,” said Johnson. “Just like everybody else, she’s going to be held to a higher standard.”
