Magic Johnson – a man who put the Magic in Basketball for many fans for several years. He was untouchable – a God – for many. Earvin Johnson may be his name on official documents, but the name “Magic” rings across the NBA circuits even today. The Kobe Bryant, before Kobe Bryant ever stepped foot into the league, Johnson showed what it meant to be a Laker.
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His impact was legendary – back when Michael Jordan was a kid, he owned a license plate that read Magic Jordan. Kids of his age used to watch the Lakers legend twist and turn defenders agonizingly, putting them on their backs, while putting the ball into the net. “I want to be like Magic” was every kid’s motto, until 1991.
Magic Johnson, while being a great role model as an athlete, was less than perfect as a person. He came from an era when athletes were known philanderers and Magic was the biggest of them all. Taking inspiration from fellow Laker Wilt Chamberlain, Johnson thrived on debauchery.
It was almost a competition – if Wilt could get to 1000 women, so could he. Johnson has a photo of him surrounded by about 20 women – a photo that eventually led to his announcement that rocked the NBA fraternity. The first case of HIV-AIDS was announced publicly, and it was the darling child of the NBA.
Magic’s announcement shocked everyone who could understand it – young kids like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony did not get it
To the younger audience – Magic’s announcement was like any other retirement to them. They didn’t know what AIDS meant and what a devastating illness it was. Hey, they didn’t even know how one could contract it. To them, it was a sad day that magic was retiring suddenly, and confusing that other players around them were shocked.
LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were two of those kids. All they could see was their hero retiring, and they didn’t know why. Everyone around was sad, shocked, confused, and angry, but they didn’t understand why. Only until their parents explained to them what it meant, they didn’t get it. And even then, how much could a 6-year-old understand?
To them, the NBA had gone down. And it did because people were afraid to play with him on the court. The stigma of HIV was too much for the players to share a court with him. Plus you could see Magic suffering – it took a toll on his health.
What Happened after Magic Johnson retired?
For one, the awareness of the illness spread like wildfire. Till then, it was just a virus that affected the destitute, not someone with power and influence. The illness changed the perspective of many and the fact that Magic still survives, and has a kid who’s healthy despite having the illness.
He did make a comeback to the league when things cleared up and more data got to the public. Even then, it was only for a brief period, because he retired soon after for good. The illness and the bad PR had taken their toll – there was no longer any Magic left.
He now lives a happy life, with 600 million dollars to his name. Magic Johnson, the torchbearer of the Lakers, and the pioneer of driving away the stigma.
Also Read: Michael Jordan Once Had An Arrest Warrant Issued Thanks To Recklessness In His $35,000 Vehicle
