Johnson Comes Back, but Everyone Doesn’t Put Out Welcome Mat
No more Al Davis.
No more Georgia.
No more Jose Offerman.
And Magic is back.
Life is good again in L.A.
DON McLELLAN
Manhattan Beach
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I couldn’t believe it. The guy had over four years to get himself into some kind of shape and hone what pass for his skills, gets a whole 27 minutes of playing time and can’t even pull off a triple-double. What a wimp!
PAUL KNIEPP
Los Angeles
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Although he claims he’s doing it so his children can watch him play, Mr. Johnson’s motives for returning are purely selfish. His comeback will hasten his demise, leaving his kids fatherless before they had to be. When he’s gone, I’m sure his kids would trade those moments on the court for a little more time in his arms.
MARK S. SCOTT
Long Beach
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I was one of those few people who was angered at the thought of a Magic Johnson return. I was upset at Magic for toying with his fans because he couldn’t find a satisfying hobby.
But the night Magic made his official announcement, my wife and I were having dinner with a close friend who is dying of AIDS. As I watched our friend labor to bend over and pet his dog, I realized that maybe I was mad at Magic for still being able to play and run and smile that big, effortless smile. Maybe I just didn’t want him to remind me that anyone, friend or hero, can be struck down in his prime.
I can’t escape the truth: We are alive for a brief moment and maybe, just maybe, No. 32 can remind us of the heights the human body and spirit can reach. Today I know only one thing for sure: We all need more Magic in our lives.
ANTHONY MARSH
Los Angeles
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Allan Malamud states: “If we had the same knowledge and understanding in 1991 of HIV that we have now, Johnson probably would not have retired.”
I find it sadly ironic that the media, which have a responsibility to disseminate information, so poorly educated themselves during the frenzy surrounding Magic’s early retirement. Those of us in the health-care field knew in 1991 the same thing we know now: The chances of Magic transmitting HIV on the basketball court are astronomically small. I am much more concerned about the athletes who lack precaution by continuing to assume that all other athletes are HIV-negative. Hopefully the media will get it right the second time around.
Welcome to the real world, Allan. Welcome back, Magic.
RON MOSSLER
Northridge
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What a high to see Magic play again. For only a moment, even our fears of HIV have been conquered. I only hope it is not an omen that the one word in our language that rhymes with Magic is tragic.
BOB MOJONDER
Mar Vista
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I’ve read your paper for the past eight days, and I must say, I truly expected the return of our Lord on my front porch this morning.
To glorify and heap such adulation on this self-serving, HIV-infected individual is beyond the liberal reputation of even The Times. This is a great example of leadership and values to show the youth of this country. The only thing this guy excels in is self-indulgence and taking the millions that Jerry “the Wimp” Buss places on his altar.
The Pope should be so lucky to get the coverage you give this jerk.
ARMANDO QUIROZ
Gardena
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Did you ever notice? No. 32, a triple and a double. God was trying to tell us something all along.
CRAIG P. FAGAN
San Diego