PLATFORM : Magic Should Retire

As a basketball player who was inspired by Magic Johnson’s play, I was totally devastated when I heard the news that he was infected with the AIDS virus. But, putting Magic’s courage and incredible ball playing aside, I still believe it would be inappropriate for him to participate for the U.S. team.

There isn’t any game I come out of that I don’t have cuts and scratches on my arms, legs and face. While most experts say the risks of contracting the disease are minimal, the risk are still there. I believe if the Australian team sticks to its guns on this issue, we’ll see other Olympic basketball teams sounding their concerns.

Magic should retire from competitive basketball and stay in the game as an ambassador. Or, continue what he’s doing in educating the public on AIDS. Whatever the outcome, Magic, and nobody else, should make the final decision.