Having Battled Against Death and Left His “First Marriage”, Magic Johnson Decoded Entering a ‘Treacherous Terrain’ in 1998

Magic Johnson has won his way through loads of tricky challenges in his career. The Los Angeles Lakers legend rose from poverty early in life and astonished the world with his on-court brilliance in the NBA. After winning five championships in the NBA, Magic suffered an unforeseen setback.  He was forced to take early retirement following an HIV diagnosis in 1991. However, Johnson never gave up and continued to grow his legacy in the field of business and entertainment. Interestingly, Magic did not stop there and tried his hand at a brand new career in 1998. Having fought against death and forced to part way from his ‘first marriage’, Michael Jordan shed some light on why he took a massive risk by entering a ‘treacherous terrain’ in 1998.

After his last stint with the Lakers in 1996, Magic Johnson decided to make his debut in the television industry as a TV host. Produced by Fox Television, the Lakers legend launched his late-night show called The Magic Hour in June 1998. However, the syndication show could not last more than eight weeks, given the competition and the lack of viewership. After receiving heavy criticism for the show, Magic Johnson shared why he chose to risk his legacy by stepping into the late-night television dogfight, which was believed to be a ‘treacherous terrain’.

Magic Johnson revealed why he started The Magic Hour

In a 1998 interview by The Washington Post, Magic Johnson was asked why he decided to enter the television industry despite achieving so much in the NBA, succeeding in business, and also winning in the battle against HIV. In response, Magic Johnson stated, “That’s what I’ve been about, though. Not doing what everybody else does. Not doing the easy thing. Not taking the easy way out. I’ve been about that my whole life.” 

The three-time Finals MVP suggested that he was fond of taking on massive challenges in life since his early years and took the thrill in taking the road less taken. Fortunately, the mindset that Johnson followed made him extremely successful in the NBA. It also helped him earn a fortune worth $620 million.

READ MORE:  “Totally Unqualified.. Booby Prize for No Performance”: Foraying Into Brand New Career After HIV Shock, Magic Johnson Was Degraded in 1998

Moreover, Johnson was unafraid of the struggles he faced during his pursuits in the television industry. He made it known by claiming that even if his show was canceled, his life was ‘not going to change’. Unfortunately for Johnson, The Magic Hour eventually came to a close after just eight weeks in September 1998.

Johnson once claimed to be married to basketball

In an interview a few months ago, Magic Johnson was asked about the difference between Magic and Earvin Johnson. The 12-time All-Star responded that the fierce guy who was ready to take on anyone on the court was Magic.

Moreover, Johnson continued, “I’m such a competitor that it made it difficult for us to get married because I was actually married to basketball. That’s what type of commitment it takes to go to the highest level.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Magic Johnson drops the hammer on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron James nears iconic scoring record

Johnson stated that he had some problems in his relationship with his wife Cookie Johnson because of his commitment to basketball. The Lakers legend also claimed to have been married to the game while giving insight into the amount of commitment needed to win championships and be the best in the league. However, Jordan had to part ways with his first wife, that is, basketball, in 1991 after his HIV diagnosis.