Magic Johnson’s HIV revelation
Nov. 7, 1991: “With an announcement that stunned the nation, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, the brilliant guard who was the marquee name for the Lakers and the National Basketball Assn. for 12 years, retired ... saying he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS,” The Times reported.
“Johnson, 32, was characteristically upbeat when he made the announcement at a packed news conference at the Forum in Inglewood. Flashing his trademark smile, he stressed that while he is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, he has not developed AIDS. Johnson said he intends to remain active in basketball off the court and that he will become a spokesman for AIDS prevention. “I plan to go on living for a long time,” he said.
In one of two front-page articles, The Times described public reaction to the news that “an icon had been shot down in mid-stride.”
“The news was treated like the death of a head of state or the outbreak of war,” the article said.
All things Lakers, all the time.
Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike's weekly newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
