Washington ? Imagine that, an NBA team showing Michael Jordan the door. Even he was shocked.

The Washington Wizards abruptly dumped basketball’s most popular figure Wednesday, ending a relationship that produced much fanfare but little success over 3 1/2 seasons.

Disappointed with the team’s poor record and embarrassed by infighting on and off the court, owner Abe Pollin told Jordan about his decision in a 30-minute meeting at the team’s arena.

After it was over, Jordan left in a convertible, with the top down.

He was the Wizards’ president before coming out of retirement to play for them the past two years. He retired for good last month and expected to return to the team’s front office.

“This was definitely my desire and intention,” Jordan said in a statement. “However, today, without any prior discussion with me, ownership informed me that it had unilaterally decided to change our mutual long-term understanding.

“I am shocked by this decision, and by the callous refusal to offer me any justification for it.”

Now he’s expected to explore options with other teams, with the new expansion franchise in Charlotte and the Bulls the most likely alternatives.

Robert Johnson, new owner of the Charlotte NBA franchise, said Wednesday that Jordan could have “any role he wants to play.” He and Jordan have already had discussions, a person with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

A Wizards source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Pollin’s decision was based on three factors: player dissension, a franchise faltering after the years of Jordan in charge, and deteriorating relationships throughout the organization.