Magic Johnson responds to Donald Sterling’s “AIDS” comment
After vowing not to comment further on Donald Sterling via Twitter, former NBA baller Magic Johnson decided to break his silence following Donald Sterling’s startling interview with CNN which aired last night.
During a phone interview with TMZ, Johnson touched on Sterling’s “AIDS” comment and his interaction with Sterling since his racist rant was released.
On having HIV:
“I don’t have AIDS, I have HIV. I’ve been living with HIV for 22 years. That’s his opinion if he thinks I’m not a role model. I know the things that I’ve done in urban America and for people.”
On Sterling requesting to be interviewed alongside him by Barbara Walters:
“Donald Sterling reached out to me; I took the call. I’m the one, when he wanted me to go on Barbara Walters with him and try to save him and his reputation, I told him I would not go on the show with him and I told him you should seek the advice of your attorney and try to make this thing go away.”
On Sterling’s apology or lack there of:
“Not once, even today, has he ever apologized to me or the other minorities he offended.”
During last night’s CNN interview, Sterling bashed Johnson for contracting AIDS … (when in fact he was diagnosed with HIV).
“He acts so holy. I mean he made love to every girl in every city in America and he had AIDS. And when he had those AIDS, I went to my synagogue and I prayed for him. I didn’t criticize him. I could have. Is he an example for children?”
He added …
“What has he done? Can you tell me? Big Magic Johnson, what has he done? He’s got the AIDS. Has he helped anybody in south L.A.? What kind of a guy goes to every city, have sex with every girl and catches HIV. Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about? I think he should be ashamed of himself! I think he should go into the background. What does he do for the black people? Doesn’t do anything. He does NOTHING. He’s all talk”
Clearly these two still have a lot to work out. Will we ever see a resolution to this unfortunate situation? – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
