Karl Malone became the only one of the ‘greats’ in the NBA to publicly show his reluctance to play with Magic Johnson because of the risk of contracting HIV. Hurt by it, the top star of the Lakers finalized his retirement in 1992.
Karl Malone, one of the greatest NBA figures of the late 80’s and early 90’s, has been frequently targeted as the person responsible for the final withdrawal of Earvin Magic Johnson’s basketball, one of the greatest exponents of this sport.
The story began a November 7, 1991, a day that marked a before and after in the NBA, the most important basketball league on the planet. Standing in front of a room full of journalists, Magic announced that he was HIV positive and that therefore, that same day, he ceased to be a Los Angeles Lakers player.
“I am HIV positive”: The announcement that surprised the world of sports
“Good afternoon. Because of the HIV virus that I contracted, I I am forced to retire of the Lakers. I want to make it clear, first of all, I don’t have AIDS… I am HIV positive. My wife is fine. She has tested negative, so there are no issues with her. I plan to live a long time”, indicated a nervous Johnson in a crowded press conference.
At that time -31 years ago- HIV was still a taboo. For many, a death sentence; for almost all, a social condemnation.
Magic, then 32 years old, was not in the sports peak which he had enjoyed in the second part of the 80’s, but he still had time to show the flashes of his quality.
The statements by the star warning people that HIV was not a virus that exclusively affected homosexuals, rapidly increased the sale of condoms and donations to causes linked to the disease.
The reactions did not wait either. George Bush Sr., President of the United States, said that “Magic is a hero to me, a hero to anyone who loves the sport.”. He also included Magic in a National Commission on AIDS, but the project failed due to lack of funding.
Johnson’s return to his ‘beloved’ basketball: the 1992 All Star Game
He February 9, 1992 at the Orlando Arena, Florida, took place the return from Magic Johnson to the NBA, specifically in the All Star Game.
Whoever was a consular figure with the Lakers, winning five titles, received thousands of fan votes to participate in the All Star even though he had already announced his retirement. And he earned a place among the best.
David Stern -NBA commissioner- ruled that the Michigan native attend the all-star game. “Contagion was impossible. It had to be between two open wounds, and even then it was unlikely.”, he said at the time.
‘Magic’ was absolute protagonist. He scored 25 points, faced off in a ‘one on one’ with his friend Michael Jordan and made three triples towards the end. It was 153-113 for the West and the game ended there.
Then, hugs from teammates and rivals would come; to later be elected MVP (the second of his career, after the one in 1990). A wonderful day for Johnson.
“Barcelona 92′ was the most fun that has happened to me in my life”: the unforgettable smile of the Dream Team
After the sweet taste left by the All Star Game, Johnson was part of the Dream Team of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, considered the best team in basketball history.
There, the American team it was made with gold, sweeping their rivals. He teamed up with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Pat Ewing, Charles Barkley… and with Karl Maloneone of the most reluctant to Magic’s return to professional basketball.
In an interview with Esquire, Johnson stated that “playing in those olympic games was the most fun that has happened to me in my sporting life”.
“The training sessions we had previously, as preparation, were the most competitive and fun I’ve ever played in my life. Being able to represent my country with the best players in the world was special”, he added.
Malone’s enormous fear, arm cut and final retirement
In November 1992, during a game between the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, Earvin Johnson suffered a cut arm. Sitting on the substitute bench, while he received the healings, he could “feel the fear of the other players”.
Everyone was looking at him, no one was playing along. And that’s when decided to stop playing.
And here another basketball player appeared on the scene ‘he stomped’ at that time: Karl Malone. Despite the enormous support that the Magic’s presence aroused in the NBA, the high-sounding voice was marked by the then star center of the Utah Jazz… and in a public way.
Malone was pointing the scratches and scabs on her arms to alert about a hypothetical contagion. behaved like any person worried or afraidwho does not fully understand the risks.
“Look at this, I have scabs and cuts all over my body. I have them every night, at every game. They can’t tell you that you’re not at risk“, said.
Whoever was Johnson’s teammate in the mythical gold medal in Barcelona also pointed out that “no one could play hand-to-hand with him for fear of contracting AIDS“.
And the 2.06-meter giant announced his definitive retirement from the Los Lakers team and from the competition on November 2, 1992the day after Malone will express his fear of contagion.
Although Malone was somewhat concerned when he played with Johnson in the so-called Dream Team on Catalan soil, he stated that it was different, because “we played together and not like now when two rival teams face each other on the pitch”.
Another former NBA superstar, Larry Bird, said it was professional jealousy and envy, rather than fear of AIDS, that prompted the comments from Malone and other players.
Over time, Magic “forgave” Malone: ”He said what he felt, something that no one can blame him for, especially not me.. All I’m saying is that we all need more education about the reality of AIDS”. A statement that is still valid today.
Note that after an opaque participation as a coach, Magic Johnson would dress short again and enjoy basketball in 1996, playing from January to May for his ‘beloved’ Lakers. He proved to have won the fight to the death.
