Millions of fans around the world consider NBA legend Michael Jordan the GOAT of the NBA. During his illustrious playing career, Jordan has won 6 NBA titles, 6 Finals MVP awards, and 5 NBA MVP awards.

MJ played a major role in popularising the game of basketball during the late 80s and 90s. And he continues to do so. Another All-Time great who helped popularise the game during the early 80s is Magic Johnson. His handles, passing, and flair brought fans to the arenas which filled up in no time.

After joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, he hit the ground running. Johnson helped the Lakers win a title immediately in 1980 and was named the Finals MVP. He then went on to win 4 more championships with the Purple and Gold. However, his world came to a shocking halt before the 1991-92 season.

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During the physical test prior to the season, Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. Johnson made a public announcement that he would retire immediately. The NBA world was in a state of disbelief. Magic Johnson later acknowledged that he contracted the disease through having numerous sexual partners during his playing career. In 1992, Michael Jordan said that he wouldn’t be surprised if other sports figures tested positive for HIV.

Michael Jordan talks about HIV?

Michael Jordan appeared in a 1992 issue of ‘Playboy’ magazine and gave one of his most interesting and shocking interviews ever. The interviewer first asked about when Jordan heard the news about Johnson. The Bulls legend said that Magic’s agent left him a message to call him immediately, and it’s an emergency. Jordan revealed that he almost drove off the road when his agent broke the news to him.

The interviewer later asked, “Would it surprise you if there were other sports figures who tested positive?” And MJ shockingly said, “No.”

Jordan said that Magic Johnson was calm when he talked to him. MJ said, ?So he gave me Earvin?s number and I called him at home. He was as calm as you and I. I said to him, ?Damn, you?re calmer than I am. I?m about to drive off the road.? He said, ?I just want you to continue on with your life. I?m going to be fine, my baby?s going to be fine, my wife is fine.??

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The Lakers legend tried his hands at a comeback in 1996, but, it wasn’t very successful. However, he still leads a happy and healthy life.