Earvin “Magic” Johnson is known to be one of the greatest athletes on and off the court. This is showcased in his autobiography, My Life, which follows Johnson’s life mostly through the 80s and early 90s. The 1980s is known to many people as NBA’s best decade. This era featured a combination of the best style of basketball, as well as some of the greatest players of all time. Magic Johnson headlined this elite group of players. Because of the immense amount of talent in the game at this time period, basketball was emerging as a big part of a lot of people’s lives. Basketball was growing in popularity and was becoming one of America’s favorite sports to watch. Magic Johnson only made this sport that more exciting. Also, in the late 80s and early 90s, the HIV virus was a topic of much uncertainty and fear to the world (Layman). Basketball served to be a great source of entertainment to keep the disease off of people’s minds, and to root for something. When Magic Johnson actually announced that he had the virus, the world learned more about the disease and admired Johnson for his braveness. This incredible announcement showed the world that there is hope for this terrible virus. Through this event, Johnson displayed what a great human being he really is. Magic Johnson is displayed to be this great person, hard-working athlete, and very confident in his autobiography, My Life. Jonathan Rowe, a critic of the book, writes, “He came across as a dedicated athlete and a good fellow”
In 1991 magic johnson stuns the world by announcing his retirement from the L.A. Lakers, after testing positive for HIV, the virus that cause AIDS. At the time , many americans viewed AIDS as a gay white man's disease. Magic Johnson who is an african american was one of the first sports stars to to go public about his status. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Magic Johnson spent his entire nba career with the LA Lakers, helping them win five championships in the 1980’s. Today Johnson is a spokesman for aids awareness and has transformed aids from a death sentence to a manageable condition for many
In the course of competing in the NBA Jordan, preformed consistently. Once Jordan’s team made it to the finals, his team dominated, specifically him. On the website “Michealjordansworld.com”, a site dedicated to sharing accurate information about Jordan, the chart listed shows that in the course of six years Jordan has averaged 33.6 points per final game. This demonstrates Jordan’s elite abilities on the court.
Many people wish for greatness; Larry Bird worked for it until he achieved it, particularly in basketball. Basketball has always been a fast-paced, exciting game to watch. The sport has even been nationally televised for decades. The game has gained special popularity because of its superstars. National Basketball Association (NBA) superstars are recognized by many as the most recognizable pro athletes. Larry Bird was one of the most famous stars of the league, and his popularity greatly increased the publics’ interest in the league. Larry Bird’s fame and basketball success was brought about by his hard work and competitiveness.
Jordan burst into the league as a rookie sensation scoring in droves with an unmatchable first step and acrobatic drives and dunks and concluded his career as a cultural icon. Hard work, dedication, and the desire
In 1999, when this essay was published, something as simple as a cellphone was a revolution to the American people. Conversations anywhere with no wires involved! Wow! Looking back now, American seemed pretty simple in 1999. This is the same for Michael Jordan – once upon a time, Jordan was JUST a basketball player. LaFeber’s essay illustrates for us the rise of the young Jordan from his middle-class family in racist North Carolina through his college years and eventually into the NBA where he became an international sports icon. LaFeber tells the story of how Jordan caught the eye of Nike CEO Phil Knight and goes on to explain how Knight transformed Jordan into the face of a multi-billion dollar international corporation. LaFeber also fills us in on race and sports issues surrounding Jordan and how that played a part in Nike’s growth. LaFeber shows us how race effected middle-class Michael Jordan at a young age and how he was able to overcome this and grow into the star he is today.
Michael Jordan had a passion for Basketball. It was not something he did to fill up his spare time; it was a goal that he knew would be his channel to influence the world. When we follow our passion, we would paint the world in very bright colors. It is important to know that our passion is our DNA, which would be the channel through which we make a mark in our world. Michael Jordan’s passion still speaks because he has influenced many generations of young people in the game of Basketball.
As soon as Magic Johnson announced he had HIV, he immediately was a role model for others to get tested and have hope of living a long and fulfilling life. In 2011, Magic Johnson talked about living with AIDS/HIV for 20 years, and how this disease is not a death sentence. He encourages others to get educated and get tested. However, when Johnson first found out he had the AIDS/HIV virus, his concern was not how did he get the disease or what is going to happen or how will he afford the medical expenses, but rather, “How am I going to live a long time?” (Moughty).
Collegiately, Jordan’s legacy was established as a freshman when he nailed the game winning shot in the National Championship versus Patrick Ewing’s Hoyas. Even though, the Tar Heels didn’t hoist the trophy in the following years with Jordan, one thing was constant, Jordan himself. Win or lose, no matter the players around him or the level of competition, he would always put on a show. This would hold true as Jordan’s rise to prominence conveyed an analysis of sport’s emergence on the global stage.
Earvin Johnson, Jr otherwise known as Magic Johnson was an American basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, he is also a HIV survivor and businessman. He is one of the most successful basketball players in NBA history winning 5 titles and paving the way for future stars. Not only was Magic a great basketball player but he took his talents and has become an extremely successful entrepreneur. He holds and estimated net worth of $500 million dollars.
During the 1980s and 1990s the new HIV disease began to emerge in society and with it came harsh stereotypes and discrimination against those who contracted it. Simultaneously, one of the most talented and influential point guards in basketball was dominating the sport: Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Throughout his career Johnson gained three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and was admitted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (“Magic Johnson”). However, on November 7, 1991, Johnson announced his diagnosis of HIV and his retirement from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Following this abrupt and unexpected event, Johnson became one of the leading figures in the fight against AIDS. The Magic Johnson Foundation was founded and is still dedicated to educating communities about AIDS. The charitable and influential work Johnson contributed to the research of AIDS revealed him as not just an extraordinary basketball player but also as an extraordinary human being (“Magic Johnson”). A few years after Johnson’s diagnosis, he released his autobiography, My Life. My Life describes the childhood and competitive basketball years of Johnson as well as his announcement of contracting HIV. In the article, “New and Noteworthy Paperbacks”, by Laurel Graeber, reviewer Harvey Araton describes Magic Johnson’s autobiography, My Life, as “best when he shares his insights about his coaches and fellow players” (Graeber). The article has positive things to say about Johnson’s autobiography such
“After God and my father, I respect Larry Bird more than anyone,” said basketball legend, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. With the odds set against him, a country boy from the basketball hotbed of Indiana, Bird was able to make a name for himself and has left an impact on the basketball world like no other. Creating an image was hard for Bird; he dropped out of Indiana University after just twenty-four days because he was unable to adjust to the crowded university culture. Bird worked as a garbage man after he dropped out, forgoing his basketball career to spend time at home. Bird loved his time as a garbage man, where he learned to enjoy the simpler parts of life. Bird’s father committed suicide during this time, forcing him
This air-shooter, the best NBA player of all time, who won “the rookie pf the year, five-time NBA MVP, six-time MBP champion, and so on …” then after a while he stopped and retired with the NBA highest scoring average of 30.1ppg. he retired because he wanted to play baseball, but then he also wanted to spend time with his family. He realized that if he keeps playing that he will not have any time with them at all so
One of the most well-known point guard to ever play the game of basketball in the National Basketball Association and his disease. On August 14, 1959 Magic Johnson was born (Dakers 17).
Magic Johnson became a symbol of hope to the people of America who live with the HIV virus after his announcement. In announcing his HIV positive status he raised awareness about the disease. He was able to shed light on the stereotypes associated with the disease, and he was also able to emphasize the importance of safe sex. He showed everyone that we are all at risk and need to be careful. He showed that it indeed can happen to anyone-rich or poor. He stressed the importance of treatment and living a healthy life with the disease. He funded and still funds HIV education programs and programs that work toward prevention of the disease. Magic Johnson’s announcement caused many
Earvin Johnson was a famous basketball player and is now a business owner with HIV. Magic Johnson was born on august 14 1959 in Lansing,Michigan.He was a basketball player from Michigan State.Earvin was standing at an outstanding height at 6 feet 9 inches.He loved to play basketball.After Magic Johnson played for the lakers for 2 years his world came crashing down.When he went to a press conference he announced that he had tested positive with HIV.He retired and started a businesss.HIV