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Simply Magic ABC Sports Online
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Most sports fans vividly remember the press conference at which Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced that he had HIV.
|  | | Magic Johnson was named Finals MVP three times, but he made his biggest impact as a rookie in 1980. |
Many of us thought that it was just a matter of time before the disease ravaged one of the most colorful and talented athletes in American history. Magic proved us all wrong, of course. He retired from the game and started over with a commitment to the African-American community. Initially, he partnered in the purchase of a Pepsi franchise. Then with Loews Cineplex he opened a chain of multiplex theaters across the country in the black community. He has recently gotten into the business of selling coffee by opening a group of Starbucks, and is also a concert promoter for superstars like Lauryn Hill.
ABC Sports will talk to former Lakers coach Pat Riley in the "Raising the Roof" special, and selected business partners to chronicle how Magic has turned his sudden, forced retirement into a positive not only for himself but also for the African-American community.
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