“..More Open Minded about Safe S*x”: Michael Jordan Once Made Heads Turn with Comments After Magic Johnson’s Big News

Michael Jordan once openly addressed the issue of sexual promiscuity among athletes in the NBA and its consequences in an interview. The Bulls superstar candidly answered questions about NBA athletes’ private life outside the court a few months after news of Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis came to the forefront. In other words, Michael Jordan stressed the importance of using protection in the wake of growing concerns regarding venereal diseases in the United States.

Michael Jordan has always been extremely selective about his interactions with the press. As a result, there are only a limited number of interviews that succinctly illustrate the thoughts and opinions of the GOAT. One of them is Jordan’s iconic interview published in Playboy magazine’s May 1992 issue.

In the interview, the Bulls legend described, in detail, his reaction to Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis. He also addressed his strained relationship with the Lakers legend.

Michael Jordan comments on the importance of safe s*x after Magic Johnson’s diagnosis

In 1991, Magic Johnson held a press conference to inform the world about his HIV diagnosis. In fact, he would retire from the NBA that same year.

A few months later, Michael Jordan revealed his reaction to the situation. Incidentally, the American people at that time didn’t have much awareness about the spread of STDs. Therefore, the United States had to endure an outbreak of HIV epidemic in the late 80s and early 90s.

Magic Johnson played a vital role in educating the general populace about the dangers of unprotected s*x. In his interview with Playboy, Jordan shed light on the promiscuous ways of NBA athletes.

“Sure, you have opportunities, you have opportunities everywhere. After the game, you see different women,” said the five-time MVP. “If you don?t listen, then you?re putting yourself at risk.”

Meanwhile, Jordan also admitted that Johnson’s diagnosis was a reality check for him. In fact, the six-time NBA champion couldn’t stress enough the importance of using protection.

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“But I also think it?s going to allow for both men and women to be more open-minded about safe s*x,” he added.

Jordan’s relationship with Magic

Michael Jordan also talked about his strained relationship with Magic Johnson in the interview. In fact, he revealed the presence of certain amounts of envy between them.

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However, things would change after Johnson’s retirement from the league in 1991. Later on, in the 1992 Olympics, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson would serve together in the USA Dream Team.