Did Magic Johnson Fake AIDS

Although I uttered it back in 1991, no one listened to me or made a stink about it when I said NBA legend Magic Johnson did not have AIDS. I said he had contracted a serious case of "Favorite National Negro Envy".

But now, some 17 years later after two radio jocks from KTLK (100.3FM) in Minneapolis have put it over the airways, it's a big controversy.

Chris Barker and Langdon Perry of The Chris Barker Radio Show stated publicly that they believe Magic Johnson faked having AIDS. Now everyone and their mother is outraged.

Look, back in 1991, the NBA was going through a transition. Two of the league's greatest players and ambassadors, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were on their way out. The league's heir apparents had arrived. One in particular was taking over not only the league but the world. Michael Jordon of the Chicago Bulls was the "new sheriff " in town.

The Bulls had just won their first NBA Championship in 1991 and no one doubted this franchise would become the next sports dynasty. Magic was being relegated to the "thank-you-so-much-has- been" category. He was still a decent player, but his status as America's favorite negro was being usurped by Jordan.

Jordan not only took over the league, he took control on Madison Avenue. He took over the marketing world, formally held in part by Magic. He ruled the court and commercials.

What better way for Magic to reclaim that lost public prominence than to claim to have contracted one of the most devastating and misunderstood diseases, HIV/AIDS.

Magic did that. At the time the disease was miscontrued as a homosexual affliction, Magic claimed he contracted the disease by having unprotected same-sex intercourse. He retired from basketball. He became a spokesperson for the cause. Then he returned to basketball, including playing on the USA Olympic Basketball Dream Team. Then he retired again to coach. All while being the new face of AIDS.

But that soon faded as he said he was cured. Yes, Magic was the first and only person cured of AIDS by God. Johnson also credited his miracle to exercise and some new, powerful , expensive medication.

Magic's response to the jock's recent revelation was to condemn the jocks by accusing them of making light of a horrible disease suffered by millions of people. Magic is wrong. They did not say anyone else who claimed to have the disease was faking it. They said only Magic was. Magic is cowardly trying to win more Negro sympathy by lumping himself in with the millions of real HIV/AIDS sufferers. Stop, Magic, please. Call a timeout.

Magic was one of the best at leading a NBA fast break. He should do the same now and fast break back into sports obscurity. Do some real magic, Magic. Make yourself and that fake ass smile disappear again.