Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, said yesterday that he is dropping his efforts to buy the Montreal Expos and move them to the Washington area. Johnson, a District resident, cited his "heavy involvement" as owner of the NBA's expansion franchise in Charlotte and "the fact I think the baseball train is moving significantly slower than I thought it would move."

In a telephone interview, Johnson said, "It's particularly a lot to do at the pace baseball is moving. If it was moving faster and I could see the direction [for a move in 2004], I could perhaps be more aggressive in making things happen. But, as it stands now, the better part of my time and resources could be spent on everything I need to get done in Charlotte."