| Ten years ago, November 7th, 1991, the news hit harder than a brick. Ervin
"Magic" Johnson was retiring. He was leaving the sport he loved not because
he lost a step or two. He wasn't retiring because he was bored with the game
or he wanted to try his hand at baseball. It wasn't any of those reasons
because if it were up to Magic he would have stayed on the hardwood. Magic
Johnson had contracted HIV. The news transcended the game of basketball and
all of a sudden the lights of ShowTime went dim. You could hear the public,
from basketball fanatics to little old women, saying with sorrowful voices -
"No, not Magic." Like myself, we were all stunned and surprised by the news
to only wake from our coma and ask - how, when and why? After all that's M
agic Johnson. We just knew we were going to see Magic wither away before our
eyes. Suddenly, we all realized our own vulnerability and those who were
ignorant to the disease received a quick lesson - it affects us all.
Because of the godlike pedestal athletes are placed on, the news seemed to
hit hard and low. It seemed that it was just impossible that Magic could have
contracted HIV (the virus that causes AIDS, for those who still believe
they're the same.) It became a defining moment in sports - no ... x that: in
American culture. Like the strong icon status Magic had attained during his
illustrious career, he showed few - if any - signs of pity for himself. He
explained that the disease was contracted due to any man's wet dream becoming
his "magical" reality. He never once played to the public to surround him
with sympathy or to be angry for him. Magic owned up to his own mistakes and
only apologized to his wife and family.
Ten years later, winning six championships, and emerging as probably the
greatest basketball player ever is Michael Jordan. The Lakers were lost, but
found their way again, and the White House has seen the second generation of
Bush. All of this and Magic Johnson is still here. The thought of seeing
Magic withering away has been replaced with confusion. He looks healthier
both physical and in the pockets. In the barbershops you hear heated debates
that Magic has the cure for the virus. He doesn't look thin. He doesn't seem
pale. He just doesn't look sick. It must be Magic.
We know what Magic has been up to in the last 10 years and it definitely
hasn't been waiting for the Grim Reaper to knock on the front door with a bus
pass. Mr. Johnson has redefined himself from basketball legend to savvy
businessman. We are aware of the "I-need-to-find- my-next-niche" moment. The
highly revolted return to the NBA by Karl Malone, the stumbling of his late
night show (what was the name again?), and his headaches from trying to coach
the Lakers. But at least he didn't try acting. Magic Johnson has found his
way. He owns the highly successful Magic Theaters franchise, he owns 5% of
the Los Angeles Lakers, 50% ownership in 26 Starbucks stores nationwide, and
has his own star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. On the basketball front,
Magic has garnered himself an Olympic gold medal from the original and true
Dream Team. Magic has built himself a $500 million empire.
So is Magic Johnson still HIV positive? Well, the last I checked there still
wasn't a cure. It's also not certain whether Magic will ever get full-blown
AIDS. Like everyone else that has the virus, he takes his daily regime of
medication. Other than having HIV, Magic is probably healthier than most of
us. He is a 41-year old man and like many of his games on the hardwood, he
has defied the odds. In my book, Magic is "simply magical" and anyone that
says different can RIDE THE BENCH.
To comment on this or any other column by Drew "The Truth" Alexander, email
ridethebench@metroconnection.info. |
