The Announcement: Magic Johnson

We take a look back 25 years ago to Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement in a segment from “The Announcement”

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[gogiya]

This is such an important piece of history. Magic changed everything
He fought the stereotype, he was able to participate in the Olympics, he is such an important person in history and sports

[_SMEAR_]

This is probably one of the most horrific things to experience in the 80's / 90's because having HIV before meant sure death. I just can't imagine what he was thinking when he was alone. Now that I know that he and his family was discriminated because of this disease is horrifying. Hats off to you Magic for surviving for so long and being a spokeperson for hiv positives around the world . ☝

[mrnevermind]

"I have HIV virus, I don't have AIDS" news. " Magic Johnson confirms that he has AIDS .. " journalism at its finest

[EricAKATheBelgianGuy]

Even if they were rivals on the court, Magic and Larry Bird became friends off the court. When Magic made the Hall of Fame, he asked Bird to introduce him. And Bird said one of the most amazing things I've ever heard:

*"I was going to speak from my heart. But, man, he broke my heart so many times, do I have anything left?"*

[ZFKATNBADGER]

They were talking of him as if he had already passed away,

[ufkun]

Who would have ever imagined that Magic would outlive Kobe?

[RockAndGrohlMe]

Magic (and Larry) literally brought the NBA back to life. Likewise, Magic literally gave Americans hope about HIV/AIDS b/c his was a face we all knew/admired. He made himself visible on a large scale, which kept reminding us that it was NOT a death sentence. That reporter at the beginning of this video....yeah, that is how ALL of us in LA were behaving. We couldn't take the waiting...we just knew and feared the worst about a man we loved.

[mauricedavis]

this documentary changed my life when I was 20 years old, thank you magic johnson your my hero...

[User-zzyyxxvv]

This was a courageous thing to do by magic. Back in those days HIV diagnosis meant a death sentence and there was a lot of ignorance and misinformation around it. Magic was a legend on the court but I think he became a bigger legend facing that head on and being a tireless advocate. I think he’s the best thing to happen to that disease. People were treated like lepers if they had it back then. I think he’s helped change a lot of the ignorance around this. He’s probably outlived a lot of those voices that were hating on him. I think he s more successful post basketball than any of his peers.

[jchavez]

That background music playing when he makes the announcement sends chills

[georgepatton]

1:09 Magic Johnson: "I do not have AIDS"
1:16 news reader: "Magic Johnson has AIDS"
well done

[TheIkaraCult]

Magic was already a legend. The fact he came out wit this solidifies his legend

[charliebrown]

My brother and I had just come from school when we turned on the TV and saw him on that podium....one of the defining moments of my childhood.

[soundsscenesbymarcus]

Forget how "sad" this is. Cookie is an amazing wife. Magic cheated on her and she stayed and encouraged him. He is a blessed man.

[billymanziel]

The Lakers are a story of triumph and tragedy.

[accridelich]

I was driving home from work when this announcement came on the radio. I pulled off the freeway & cried like a baby for 30 minutes.

[tashrif]

It was really a sad moment. And the most saddest part is that people became ignorant of him

[SolSkinn]

I remember watching this live when I was 20. Magic was larger than life, and it was so sad to think he was going to die. He said he'd beat it though, and look at him now.

[rell]

Can’t believe it’s been exactly 30 years today since he announced he had the HIV virus. I was 12 & didn’t know what the big deal was at the time. But I’m just glad he’s still around.

[vindiesal]

Happy that he can make it, hope his family will get better. Let's pray for him and his family