Essay on Magic johnson

Submitted By Kkarabe4
Words: 1040
Pages: 5
Open Document
Few athletes are truly unique, changing the way their sport is played with their singular skills. Earvin “Magic” Johnson was one of them. He could control the game and is still considered today, one of the best basketball players in history. But in 1991, tragedy hit Johnson and would soon force him to retire. He publicly announced to America that he was infected with HIV. At the time, Americans assumed that these virus’ were only obtainable through homosexuals or intense drug users. There was a lot of fear and confusion as to why people had the virus or how the disease was transmitted. Johnson’s strength and great courage allowed him to go public with his virus, and helped raise large amounts of awareness. “ I just want to make clear, first of all, that I do not have the AIDS disease-- ‘cause I know a lot of you are -- want to know that -- but the HIV virus.” He informed the public of his medical conditions and pleaded for people to be careful. “I will now become a spokesman for the HIV virus because I want people -- young people to realize that they can practice safe sex.” Johnson made it clear that his family was not infected, and made people feel that it’s okay to have the virus, and it is nothing to be ashamed of or hide away from. This speech deserves to be one of the top in American History because not only did it help inform the public the seriousness of taking care of yourselves, it gave confidence in people that if a famous figure has the disease and could go public about it and get help, then so can they. Magic Johnson was a legend on the court, but because of his courage to reveal that he had HIV at the time, he was a leader off of it. Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. Johnson grew up from a large family, being one of nine children. From a young age he had a passion for basketball. He would wake up at early hours of the day every single day to practice the sport. “Magic” Johnson received his famous nickname after a sportswriter witnessed him score 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists during a single high school game. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, he made for an impressive point guard. He then went on to play basketball at Michigan State University, leading his team to a Big Ten Conference title and a NCAA title. After playing college ball for just two years, Johnson was drafted by the LA Lakers in 1979. He was given the MVP title, helped his team clinch the NBA title and made an amazing career for himself. In November 1991, Magic Johnson revealed to the public that he had the HIV virus, which he believed he contracted through unprotected sex. “Because of the HIV virus that I have attained,” he said, “I will have to retire from the Lakers --today.” After retiring from the LA Lakers, Magic Johnson would go on to build up a business empire, consisting of real estate holdings, several Starbucks franchises, movie theaters, writing, and a campaign for the virus (you can find more information about the campaign at magicjohnson.com).
During the year of 1991, the time of when Magic Johnson announced he was infected with the HIV virus, many other events had been taking place. The Gulf War was taking place and in January, Operation Desert Storm began. In Washington D.C, tens of thousands of people rallied against the Persian Gulf War. In early February, the 1990 recession ended. In March, United Airlines Flight 585 crashed, killing 25 people. Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer is captured and arrested after police finding the remains of victims. The Chicago Bulls had won their first NBA title, defeating the LA Lakers. By the end of 1991, the Cold War ended as Mikhail Gorbachev resigned and the USSR dissolved. During all of the craziness going on in the year, Magic Johnson went out of his way to
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on Magic johnson

Magic Johnson Research Paper

Magic Johnson: An All Time Great Only seven basketball players in history have won an NCAA championship NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal and Magic Johnson is one of them. He is also considered one of the greatest passers of all time. Johnson will always be considered a legend on and off the basketball court because of his NBA and college careers and his donations to the research and prevention of AIDS and other STD’s. Earvin ‘’Magic” Johnson was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing…

Words 839 - Pages 4

Earvin Magic Johnson Biography

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was one of the best basketball players the NBA has ever seen. He was also the highest paid player in NBA history at the time. He had a huge set back during his career, but powered through it and wrote a book about it. That book was called “ What You Can do to Avoid Aids.” He earned the nickname “Magic” because he was like a magician on the court with the way he handled the ball and created an open shot ( Earvin “Magic” Johnson). Johnson was interested in basketball from an…

Words 1003 - Pages 5

Essay on Earvin "Magic" Johnson

The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson Trey Hendon The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson Biography and Life of Magic Johnson Earvin Johnson was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan and was named Earvin Johnson Jr. His father was a worker of the General Motors car plant, and then he became night watchman. His mother was in charge of a school cafeteria. He was the sixth of ten children. Magic Johnson confesses that his mother "inherited his dazzling smile and a cheerful nature" and his father…

Words 1645 - Pages 7

Magic Johnson Research Paper

Magic Johnson was born August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. He is an NBA legend who played with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1980 to 1991. Leading the team to 5 NBA Championships. He was given the nickname "Magic" in recognition for his unbelievable ball handling skills in both high school and college. It was Johnson's ability to play multiple positions that made him a star. After basketball, Johnson became a successful entrepreneur, HIV/AIDS activist, and team owner of many professional teams. Also…

Words 132 - Pages 1

Magic Johnson Research Paper

Thursday, November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers announced to the world the devastating news that he has contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. Changing the sports world, Johnson retired from the NBA on Thursday at age 32. Playing in the league for 12 years, Magic Johnson vowed to be an AIDS prevention spokesperson. Although he states both that he “does not have the AIDS disease”, and that his wife has tested negative, Magic Johnson wants to teach young…

Words 355 - Pages 2

Compare And Contrast Johnson And Larry Bird

Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson One of the greatest rivalries in NBA history Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. #33 vs # 32, The Lakers vs The Celtics. Bird was drafted in 1978 6th overall. Magic was drafted in 1st overall in 1979. Larry Bird was born in the corn town of West Baden, Indiana. Magic born in the great state of Michigan Lansing to be exact. He had to grow up with 9 brothers and sisters. His mom was a school custodian and his dad worked at a General Motors Plant. For Bird things were different…

Words 243 - Pages 1

Welcome Letter Essay

ANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Magic Johnson Science Academy · 8112 Westland Drive · Chicago, Illinois 60649 Telephone 773/535-6690 · Fax 773/535-6600 Telephone (Br) 773/535-7603 Fax (Br) 773/535-7776 Marshaun Brooks James William Principal Dustin Moore Assistant…

Words 859 - Pages 4

Laramie Projects Research Essay

they now know that is not found from certain people but sexually transmitted. Magic Johnson a former NBA basketball player has created a new impact about the HIV disease and how people are treated and viewed with the contraction. Summary of the Event: On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson a former NBA All Star that played for the L.A. Lakers announced his contraction of HIV to the community and public at the age of 32. Magic Johnson was one of the 5 major public known people to be contracted with HIV that causes…

Words 1239 - Pages 5

The Importance Of Friendship In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson was one of the rarest friendships in NBA history, on rival teams, got into fights with each other. Magic Johnson wanted media attention, and Larry Bird wanted none of it, but stilled remained friends. This is just like George and Lennie. Completely different, but were still friends. Even though they got into fights with each other, their friendship always stayed strong. John Steinbeck, in his novel Of Mice and Men, demonstrates what friendship really means. Friendship…

Words 102 - Pages 1

Graduation Speech: If I Ve Ever Been To Syracuse, New York

If you have ever been to Syracuse, New York, you would know that if your under the age of 21, there is next to nothing to do. But, being in a new place always has it’s perks. Exploring an unfamiliar hotel filled with mini celebrities was one of those perks. Also, riding in the elevator with my cousin Noah, and sister, Megan, down one floor to get ice, and realizing that’s where the entire Michigan State basketball team was staying. I will never forget the trip where I learned one the most valuable…

Words 523 - Pages 3