Magic’s Dinner Honors Connors

It was a night tailor made for rabid sports fans, a jock’s dream come true: Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Jimmy Connors, Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci all in one room.

The occasion was the seventh annual Magic Johnson Sports Stars Award dinner and auction honoring tennis great Jimmy Connors and benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. at the Century Plaza on Friday night.

But there was no question that Johnson was the main focus of attention from sound-bite-hungry news crews and fans who followed him from the moment he entered the hotel. Johnson was like a very tall Pied Piper as he glided from the VIP reception to a press conference and then to the packed ballroom, trailed by TV cameras, photographers, reporters and fans bearing posters for him to sign.

During the press conference there was no overt reference to Johnson being HIV-positive, only someone asking, “How do you feel?”

“Wonderful,” he replied, “Everything is great.”

When questioned about why Connors, 39, was selected for the 1992 lifetime achievement award, Johnson said, “There was no selection process. He’s the one we wanted to honor and we hoped he’d accept it.

“He emphasizes everything the MDA is all about, in terms of being a team player and a champion. Any time you see a man his age doing what he’s doing”--here Connors’ eyes grew wide in mock horror--”still competing at a high, high level--he just inspires everyone. When I grow up just a little bit older, I want to be just like he is.”

Johnson also spoke about being inspired by the children he’s met through his work with MDA (several children attended the dinner).

“We’re as healthy as we want to be,” he said, “but you know, it’s always something. We complain about traffic or something. But these kids don’t cry about anything. Every day is a good day. . . . They have an attitude that’s unbelievable. That’s why I love them, and why I draw strength from them. This is what I’m all about.”

During the reception, Connors happily posed with fans for their photos and signed tennis balls.

He was introduced to former MDA poster boy Jason Baringer, who said, “My mom loved your playing at the Open.”

“What about you ?” asked Connors. “Did you watch a little bit, too?”

“Yeah,” the 11-year-old replied.

“Who’s your favorite player? You can say it, doesn’t matter. Who is it?”

“Jimmy Connors.”

“Ohhhh, you know the right thing to say,” said Connors, grinning.

“I’m a huge fan (of Magic),” Connors added. “I’m a basketball fan in general, but to go down and watch Magic Johnson, that’s what one dreams about. My son, who’s 12 years old, would light up when I’d say, ‘Let’s go down and watch the Lakers play.’ His eyes would get huge. And that’s what one has to recognize, that he has accomplished not only his fame on the court, but he has transformed it beyond that.”

The recession took a holiday Friday night, as silent auction items drew many bids. Up for grabs were signed hockey sticks, basketballs and sneakers; autographed TV and movie scripts, movie posters and photographs; home exercise equipment and travel packages.

Sports-themed live auction items included a trip to Washington to see the Redskins play the Raiders, a trip to Boston to see the Red Sox play, a tennis lesson from Connors and prime Lakers tickets.

Actor Danny Glover emceed the event. Others in the audience included actor/comedian Billy Connolly; Alan Rachins; Connie Stevens; Chelsea Noble; Beau Bridges and Lloyd Bridges; Connors’ wife, Patti, and son, Brett, and Johnson’s wife, Cookie.