As just about everyone knows, Magic Johnson held a Press Conference on November 7, 1991 announcing that he had contracted HIV and was retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers. What as so suprising about this announcement?
A lot of things, obviously that Magic contracted HIV, but the timing was most suprising. Magic Johnson was such a huge player in the NBA, that I would compare it to Lebron James or Kobe Bryant randomly announcing that they are immediately retiring due to contracting HIV. However, not only was it a big name athlete, but it was one of the first cases of a non homosexual AND non drug user. In the early '90s, HIV was contracted by either drug use through needles and/or homosexual activity, and Magic Johnson did not fit in either category.
Since Magic Johnson held his Press Conference, a few other high profile athletes have contracted HIV or AIDS. Athletes such as, boxer Tommy Morrison, Olympic diver Greg Louganis, and Olympic figure skater Rudy Galindo. Its not fair to say that it was easy for those athletes to announce they have contracted AIDS, but I can say Magic Johnson has paved the road for them and made it at least easier to make such an announcement. What I mean by this is, to tell just about the world that you have AIDS is going to by tough and really hard, but to say, like Magic Johnson you have contracted AIDS will be a little easier. Although Magic had to come out and say what he did, it takes a very strong and confident individual to host such a Press Conference.
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I completely agree with your post. The timing was very unfortunate for Magic Johnson, but I am so glad that he took charge of the situation like he did. Not only did Magic Johnson let the world know that yes he has HIV and he didn't contract it because of homosexuality or drug use, but he actually did something about it. Magic Johnson started the Magic Johnson Foundation shortly after his announcement and has worked to help fight againts HIV and promote wellness ever since. I would also sat the height of Magic's career where he was in 1991 is comparable to Lebron or Kobe today. Just think of the impact either one of them would make today.
ReplyDeleteI think that Magic contracting AIDS led to a lot more AIDS awareness, because people found out that straight people were able to get AIDS too. It must have been crazy hearing that announcenet, because I agree it would be like Lebron James coming out and announcing that.Magic was at the height of his super stardom.
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