The Day The Basketball World Stood Still

On this day 20 years ago Ervin "Magic" Johnson held a live press conference in front of a television audience where he broke the shocking news that forever changed the Basketball landscape and the way we look at life. Living the life of a rock star who won a state championship while in high school, a national championship in college and 5-NBA titles with the Showtime Lakers, Magic was at the pinnacle of basketball immortality. However, one year removed from his third MVP award it would all come to an abrupt stop when it was learned that the 12-time All-Star had tested positive for HIV. At the age of 32 which is still considered to be young in the sport of basketball, Johnson was forced to walk away and retire from the game he so truly loved only several games into the '91-'92 season in fear of spreading the virus to his teammates and fellow players.

Though he would later make a return to the court to star in the 1992 All-Star Game and play for the '92 US men's Basketball team which won the gold medal and became famously known as the "Dream Team", Johnson's days on the court ended all too soon. After the 1993-94 season in which Magic unsuccessfully coached the Lakers to a 33-49 record and failed to make the playoffs, Johnson staged a final comeback during the last 32 games of the season before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and retiring for good. Despite the hardships that have altered the life of both he and his loved ones, Johnson has refused to surrender to adversity and let the ongoing fight with his deadly disease tarnish his journey in life.

Having been diagnosed with the virus for 20 years now at the age of 52, the Hall of Fame inductee Johnson serves as an integral advocate and contributor in the HIV community off the court much like he did on the court. Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation that helps combat the disease, Ervin is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the hardwood despite having his playing days cut short. Looking back at what will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of sports, calling Magic Johnson a warrior for his continued battle would be an understatement as he serves as an inspiration to us all.