Michael Jordan Was Left Distraught After Magic Johnson Said His Life Was in Danger in 1991: “I Was Stunned. I Couldn’t Even Drive.”

In late 1991, against a dark grey backdrop, with cameras flashing, Earvin Johnson told the world that he had been diagnosed with HIV. Magic was one of the biggest players in the world at the time, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, and winning five titles with the LA side. Johnson retired abruptly after his diagnosis, with six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, among many, who could not wrap their heads around the announcement.

In an old interview with Vanity Fair, the Chicago Bulls legend divulged intriguing details about the exact time he heard about Johnson’s huge news.

Michael Jordan reveals how the Magic Johnson update affected him

Just a few years prior, Johnson had just won an iconic NBA title in 1988. Following his announcement, many in the community feared for his well-being, however, Magic seemed unfazed by the entire situation. Naturally, his wife and long-term partner, Cookie, feared for the five-time NBA champion’s life.

Michael Jordan was out and about driving his car when he heard the news. Interestingly, he pulled over to the side of the road and was stunned after getting off the call from the NBA Hall of Famer. 

“Magic told me he was H.I.V.-positive. I was stunned. I couldn’t even drive, I pulled off to the side of the road and just listened”, said Jordan during his interview with Vanity Fair. MJ continued, “Everything he said was optimistic. He said that he was going to beat it and that everything would be fine. If that had been me, I wouldn’t have been able to talk to anyone. I wouldn’t have wanted to talk to anyone.”

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Jordan was yet to win an NBA title with the Chicago Bulls at the time. MJ had not yet become synonymous with winning. Nevertheless, the Bulls icon was one of the first few people who got to know about Johnson’s diagnosis. 

Jordan was one of the first people to learn about Magic’s ailment

Way before Magic Johnson gave the press conference, his agent had informed MJ’s agent, David Falk. He asserted that the Lakers legend had something very important to talk about and an announcement to make. 

Jordan called Magic right away and was informed about the illness by the Lakers icon. Interestingly, MJ was honest and divulged that he had very little idea about HIV. In fact, Magic Johnson elaborated on his disease and revealed that he was going to retire.

Not only did Magic Johnson recover from HIV, but he also returned to the court in 1996.

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