Friday, July 20, 2012

Magic outraged at HIV-faking accusation

Magic outraged at HIV-faking accusation

Former NBA star Magic Johnson is outraged after two Minnesota radio talk show hosts accused him of faking that he had contracted HIV, which can lead to AIDS.

Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of station KTLK questioned whether or not Hall of Fame hero Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" dynasty of the 1980s, was being truthful when he disclosed in 1991 that he had contracted HIV.

"Magic faked AIDS," Perry said.

"You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?" Baker replied.

"I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS," Perry said.

"Yeah, me too," Baker said.

"I'm not sure why," Perry added. "But I'm pretty sure he faked AIDS. Because he's the only cured AIDS guy ever."

That exchange prompted a response statement from Johnson, 49, that was reported by the Los Angeles Times.

"I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis," Johnson said.

"I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimise such a serious and deadly issue.

"Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable.

"Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies."

Johnson guided the Lakers to five titles before his 1991 retirement and made two comebacks before calling it quits for good in 1996.

He was also a member of the 1992 US Olympic gold medal "Dream Team"

No comments:

Post a Comment