
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Magic Johnson speaks onstage during The Genius of Magic Johnson Sponsored by Denny’s at The Genius Talks Sponsored By Credit Karma during the BET Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)

via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Magic Johnson speaks onstage during The Genius of Magic Johnson Sponsored by Denny’s at The Genius Talks Sponsored By Credit Karma during the BET Experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)
An unexpected incident in the college football scene has done more than raise a few eyebrows. While people everywhere have slammed Michigan State University for their faux pas, even celebrities haven’t spared them. One of the persons outraged by this scandal is MSU alumnus Magic Johnson. The NBA legend expressed anger just as well.
Interestingly, the former Los Angeles Lakers star spent three years at MSU, and he won them a championship. Regardless, he is holding them accountable for their actions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Magic Johnson slams Spartans management
Week 8 of the college football season was marred by an incident in Michigan State University that had nothing to do with football. The Michigan State Spartans were against the Michigan Wolverines on October 22. The Wolverines beat the Spartans 49-0, but no one remembered that score.
Before the game, the Spartan Stadium scoreboard displayed an image of Adolf Hitler as part of a trivia quiz. Whatever the intention, this display was not well-received. Not only the folks who witnessed it, but the social media community expressed their shock and disappointed. Magic Johnson, a regular on X, was not far behind.
“I’m disappointed with my alma mater Michigan State University. There is no excuse for this. Where is the accountability? As a former Spartan, we have to be better for the students, faculty, alumni and the community!” he wrote on X.
WATCH THIS STORY | Serena Williams’ Husband Takes Pride in the Success of Women’s Sports as Shaquille O’Neal’s Quote Prompts Him to Hit Back at Naysayers
Johnson has donated to his school several times, including a massive $3 million a decade ago. He’s hands down the most influential Spartan and his demand for accountability can’t be ignored.
I’m disappointed with my alma mater Michigan State University. There is no excuse for this. Where is the accountability? As a former Spartan, we have to be better for the students, faculty, alumni and the community!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 23, 2023
The university issued an official apology over the graphic pretty quickly after the incident. “We are deeply sorry for the content that was displayed, as this is not representative of our institutional values,” the immediate apology by the athletic department read. They implied they investigated the matter but didn’t give any details if this incident was a gaffe or intentional. They blamed a “third-party source” for the incident and cut ties with them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Magic Johnson demands more accountability
His followers noted that Johnson’s post was edited several times and he remained vague about what has disappointed him. This is the latest in a series of controversies that have struck Michigan State. Most presume the scoreboard scandal was the last straw for the MSU alum.
The newly-minted NFL team owner is occupied with a busy NFL season. He’s a regular on social media motivating the Washington Commanders. His team’s strong start is a little shaky at the moment and he’s using posting about that. His followers were surprised when he broke his silence on matters regarding MSU.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE: Was Magic Johnson the Most “Impactful” Rookie in NBA History?
Like Johnson, most are disappointed by the response. There are calls for MSU to admit that they failed to screen the images displayed at the stadium and do better to make everyone feel safe within the Spartan community.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT