BET founder Robert L. Johnson has had a knack for making everything he touches turn to gold.  A recent peek at the Black Enterprise 100′s list shows several new ventures of his quietly creeping up the ladder, not to mention he’s already recognized as one of the 3 richest African Americans.

However Johnson’s business acumen has not carried over to running a successful NBA franchise (though his ex-wife seems to have gotten the hang of it.)   Johnson is reportedly thinking about selling his majority stake of the Charlotte Bobcats, the franchise which in part bares his name, after losing tens of millions of dollars since buying the expansion team in 2003.

Johnson’s $300 million investment in the Bobcats was to fill the void left in Charlotte after the Hornets departed for New Orleans.  However, he has yet to turn a profit due to poor attendance, below average team play and resulting poor sponsorship sales and licensing.  This is not to mention a failed attempt at building a regional sports television network despite Johnson’s experience with BET. To put it bluntly, the project has been a disaster.

However if Johnson does sell, the move could pave the way for #4 on the aforementioned richest African Americans list, Johnson’s minority partner, Michael Jordan.

The franchise, which Forbes magazine currently values at a declining $284 million plays in a city very hard hard hit by the poor housing market and credit crunch and would make any sale showcase very difficult.

So lessen learned to all you budding entrepreneurs out there.  Though you might fail in one business venture doesn’t mean you can’t be successful as a business man.  Even the most exalted black business moguls has his pitfalls.  Its a law of averages though.  Its not how hard you fall but how you get up.