MAGIC JOHNSON RETIRED 16 YEARS AGO TODAY
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"Because of the HIV virus I have attained I will have to retire from the Lakers today," Ervin "Magic" Johnson said on Nov. 7, 1991. Those were scary words for the sports world and society as a whole 16 years ago today. As a Sophomore in college at the time, I remember hearing on radio news that an announcement was coming that evening. As we left the dining hall and huddled around a tv to watch the words that Magic would speak we discussed how this could've happened to one of the greatest hoops players of all time, fearing that death would be quickly found around the corner for him. 16 years later, Magic is still alive and well and as a sports fan, I am glad to hear it. That day, we were all afraid for his life, today I can say I am happy that he has shown me that this terrible disease can be defeated. Thank you Magic, may God continue to give you years on your life!
