Voiced With Heavy Emotions, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s Heart Grows Tender as Magic Johnson “Breaks Down” on Live TV

The Washington Commanders could soon end their 30-year drought. After all, five-time NBA champion Magic  Johnson has joined their ranks. It is not lost on anyone how historic this is. Not only is the $6.05 billion deal the most expensive in NFL history, but it is also the first time the Washington team has had a Black co-owner. If you needed to know how much just how momentous this is, allow Stephen A. Smith to put it into words.

Smith and Johnson go way back. In fact, the ESPN veteran revealed that he has “never had a better time” in his life than he did at Magic’s 60th birthday party. The NBA analyst went on to show some love to the Los Angeles Lakers icon.

Stephen A. Smith on the impact of Magic’s latest move

This is Johnson’s first sporting venture outside of Los Angeles. The former NBA titan is also part owner of MLB’s Dodgers, WNBA’s Sparks, and MLS’ LAFC. Magic appeared on the Today Show to discuss his new ownership of the Washington Commanders. Speaking about the opportunity, Johnson broke down in tears.

His good friend, Stephen A. Smith, followed up the Today interview with a shout-out on his YouTube channel.

“Magic Johnson is a black man that goes about the business of handling his business,” he said about the NBA pro-turned-businessman.

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With the team a mere 8 hours from his hometown, Lansing, the move is close to Magic’s heart. Undoubtedly, being able to help his community made him emotional.

“As a proud Black man — you got me choking up now — this is a great opportunity. I don’t know why God blessed me with these opportunities. but I want to excel, not only for myself and my family but for all African-Americans making sure we can see ourselves in these seats. And I want people to know that we can do the job,” explained Magic.

Smith can testify that Johnson will bring that turnaround to the team and the NFL as a whole. He, after all, has experienced Johnson’s guidance.

“He [Johnson] is somebody that never hesitates to provide mentorship and guidance to people like myself and countless others. He is a winner on so many levels.”

Washington can change under Magic Johnson

The significance of Magic Johnson’s buying the Commanders franchise is also symbolic.

Smith called for support, appreciation and gratitude for Johnson in his new venture. Emphasizing the need for diversity in the NFL rooms, he says Magic Johnson has the “voice” and “impact” to bring that change.

Washington’s previous owners have also made it so that a change is almost necessary. The NFL fined Dan Snyder a record fine of $60 billion! This was for a litany of financial and non-financial violations committed during their tenure. Stepping into the hot seat, Magic will have to clean up some of their mess before he can set about implementing his changes.

But once he does, it’s very likely that the franchise will see a turnaround. In fact, each of the three teams he already owns has won the biggest prize in their leagues during Magic’s co-ownership.

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As Stephen A. Smith put it – “The world known as the National Football League will be an even better place than we ever imagined.”

No truer words have been spoken. Many fans echo Smith that Johnson is going to be the revolution within the NFL. Do you also agree?