33 Leadership Quotes From Magic Johnson And The Announcement

“Because of the HIV virus that I have attained, I will have to retire from the Lakers today.” –  Thursday, November 7th 1991

We all remember where we were when we heard those shocking words come from Earvin “Magic” Johnson.  ESPN Films recently did an amazing job recapping the events of Johnson’s announcement that he was HIV positive.  The following are the incredible comments from Johnson”s inspirational personal journey.

1. “There is no better feeling in the world than the way I felt that night (winning his first NBA championship).”
2. “My father taught us to work hard.  My mom showed us how to do it with a smile.  Effort and joy, that’s what I brought onto a basketball court.”
3. “The best leader I ever coached and the most unselfish player I ever coached.” – Pat Riley
4. “I’ve never seen a guy so happy other people were doing well.” – Chris Rock
5. “Magic was the catalyst of the convergence of sports and entertainment.” – Roy Johnson
6. “It was carefree in the 80’s.  Have fun at night and don’t worry about it.”
7. “It’s a lot of energy that goes into winning a championship…I’m not settling for anything less than winning.”
8. “Other guys don’t have the pressure that I have.” – Johnson back in the 80’s.
9. “I was the first one to get the results.” – Michael Mellman, Laker team physician
10. “I was down on the floor for two hours trying to collect myself.  My life just changed.” – Magic when he heard the news.
11. “For the first time I was not in control and I didn’t know how to handle it.”
12. “The most difficult thing in my life was driving from the doctor’s office to tell my wife Cookie I’ve got HIV.”
13. “I waited 10 days for the results (of my 2nd AIDS test)”
14. “I didn’t want my foolish attitude and the way I conducted myself to affect Cookie.”
15. “If she would have left, I probably would have died.’
16. “I have to save as many lives as I possibly can.”
17. “That was the first time I cried.” – When Magic told his teammates he had HIV.
18. “I’m going to go on and I’m going to beat it.”
19. “I remember how horribly sad everyone was except Magic.” – David Stern
20. “Probably the toughest day I’ve had since my father passed away.” – Larry Bird
21. “I wasn’t Magic.  I was just this guy.”
22. “This is what you are going to be up against but you’re going to help save my son’s life.” – Elizabeth Glaser
23. “Everyone had their own agenda and wanted me to do what they wanted me to do.”
24. “That was one of the lowest times in his life is when he all of sudden was not going to be accepted, especially by his peers.” – Riley
25. “He changed my life that day.” – When Riley worked him out.
26. “It was another showing for the movement that a man can still do his job with the virus.” – Roy Johnson on Magic’s performance during the 1992 All-Star game.
27. “Magic helped dispell the notion that HIV could be transmitted through perspiration.'” – Stern
28. “You had to train your mind and train your body that you have to take drugs (ACT) three times a day.”
29. “My job was to take my meds and stay positive.”
30. “It’s gotten to the point that a lot of people don’t connect me with HIV or AIDS in their first thought.”
31. “Money can’t save you.  I’m still HIV positive.”
32. “We need to get back to being scared again.”
33. “There’s winning and there’s losing and in life both will happen.  What is never acceptable to me is quitting.”

If you have not seen this show, make sure not to miss it.  What were your thoughts when you heard Magic’s announcement?  How do you feel when you see him today?

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