“Never thought of it happening to heterosexuals” – When Magic Johnson’s AIDS announcement ‘slapped’ Michael Jordan’s REALISATION

Michael Jordan was rarely afraid of anything throughout his illustrious career. He was nicked as the “Black Jesus” and players feared him on and off the court for his competitiveness. He’s even the GOAT for many hoopers around the globe. But even Michael Jordan received a tight slap right on his face when Lakers legend Magic Johnson announced retirement after testing positive for HIV/AIDS.

Magic Johnson shocked the sporting world by declaring he tested positive for AIDS on November 7, 1991. None expected him to walk out with such tragic news but Magic Johnson didn’t give up there and won his battle against it. As he’s still around and fine and is also a successful businessman. But his announcement back then didn’t just stun the superstars but also got them aware and Michael Jordan was one of those.

In an interview with Playboy Magazine in May 1992, Michael Jordan discussed the big Magic Johnson news. Jordan revealed how he was informed by Johnson’s agent about him testing positive for HIV before the announcement. He also mentioned how he almost drove off the road while driving back home and getting informed of this tragic news.

Further, when Michael Jordan was asked about the players ever discussing about AIDS before Magic Johnson’s announcement. MJ gave an honest answer by quoting: “We were aware of it, but most guys never thought of it happening to heterosexuals. It was always gays, drug users and people who got it from transfusions. But it slapped me right in the face. From all angles, it slapped me.”

Back in the day people weren’t that aware of such viruses and how they can be caused. Even Michael Jordan thought heterosexuals were safe. But that’s not the case and somewhere we should thank Magic Johnson for being vocal about it. Further, Jordan even added how he was tested for the last two years because of an insurance policy that demanded it.

Related: Who are Magic Johnson’s Parents, Christine Johnson and Earvin Johnson Sr?

Michael Jordan believes players learned an important lesson from Magic Johnson’s AIDS announcement

In the same Playboy interview while discussing life on the road in the league. Michael Jordan revealed how players have opportunities that can turn into risks. He quoted: “Sure, you have opportunities, you have opportunities everywhere. After the game, you see different women. Players have always been knowledgeable about that, to say who’s who and what’s what. If you don’t listen, then you’re putting yourself at risk.”

Further, Michael Jordan talking about the risk and the lesson players can learn from Magic Johnson’s situation back then quoted: “It’s going to cut down some of the playing around. But I also think it’s going to allow for both men and women to be more open-minded about safe sex. I think Magic is going to make players say, Hey, don’t be afraid to ask this person. Now it’s a given: You have to talk about it.”

Michael Jordan’s illustrious career has recorded many controversies. But fortunately, he was a smart man and never made a bad headline for playing around throughout his career and even now in retirement.  

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