In the NBA world, very few names shine as bright as Magic Johnson. With his championship runs and All-Star performances, the Los Angeles Lakers legend had been dominant in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite being at the peak of his powers, he announced his retirement due to HIV. As the world was searching for answers, one veteran reporter found herself in an unexpected game of patience, determination, and journalistic grit.

In a recent interview with ‘CBS Sunday Morning’, the trailblazing Asian-American journalist, Connie Chung was going over some of the best journalistic feats. In the same interview, she revealed about the time when she found herself in a unique position. “I went to his agent’s office and squatted. I wouldn’t leave until he left the office,” said Chung to Jane Pauley in the interview. Indeed, a challenge in its own right. But why was interviewing Johnson so important?

As mentioned before, Johnson had announced in a press conference that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire from the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA as a whole. However, Johnson’s physician, Dr. Michael Mellman, had also revealed that the point guard didn’t have AIDS but the virus that led to it. Chung wanted to dive deeper into the story. So after relentless effort, she was able to interview the Lakers All-Star at his LA home. The interview was ultimately broadcast on TV on December 11, 1991. The segment also included interviews with some of his friends, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pat Riley.

The news of Johnson’s retirement was a shock for the NBA world for many. At the age of 32, he was still dominating the NBA with the Lakers, averaging impressive stats: 19.4 points, 12.5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game in the 1990-91 season. The same year, he became the NBA’s most valuable player for the third time and also became a champion for the fifth time just two years ago. With no apparent signs of decline and his exceptional athleticism, his decision to retire seemed out of the ordinary, leaving fans and the sports world stunned.

However, this wasn’t the only time that the Lakers legend retired from the NBA. He returned to the league in 1996 but soon had to leave due to the immense protests from his fellow players. This story of journalistic integrity serves as a reminder of the crucial role that dedicated reporters play in bringing important stories to light. However, one thing should be noted: the AIDS scene also put another good side of Johnson in front of everyone.

Magic Johnson and his stint in the world of philanthropy

Magic Johnson not only excelled on the court but has also made significant contributions to society. His brainchild, “The Magic Johnson Foundation” has been instrumental in addressing various social issues.

The main aim of the foundation was to raise awareness and prevent HIV AIDS. Not only this, but the foundation also aimed to provide support, education, and health facilities to ethnically diverse urban communities. Over these years, the foundation has made significant feats in the charity field. It has raised over $20 million for social causes and allocated about $4 million towards scholarships for backward communities.

Johnson had also played an important role during the pandemic by providing funds to women or minority-owned businesses that were hit the most by the lockdown, thus diversifying his philanthropic measures.

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