Pitching Socialism: Uh-Oh, It’s Magic

AFTER Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s much-celebrated return from his HIV-imposed retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers’ owner, Jerry Buss, wistfully noted that he felt “the same as Louis Armstrong did when he sang ‘Hello Dolly’ for the first time: ‘It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.’ ” Buss has good reason to croon. The Lakers, once the Western Conference’s lone superpower, haven’t won a championship since 1988. This year, prior to Magic Johnson’s return, they managed to sell out their arena only once all season. The Magical second coming has already resurrected ticket sales, and has made the Lakers formidable once again. The league is equally elated. Johnson and his rival, Larry Bird, saved the NBA from terminal unpopularity in 1979, and officials are hoping for a repeat performance. Commissioner David Stern telephoned Magic after his first game back. “I wanted him to know how happy I am he’s back playing,” he gloated. “I just told him to watch his hamstrings.”

But Magic’s hamstrings should be the least of the NBA’s worries. Does a player who is HIV-positive pose a threat to other players? The answer is: Yes, a threat that will probably never materialize, but which will be fatal if it does.

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Chris Weinkopf

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AFTER Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s much-celebrated return from his HIV-imposed retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers’ owner, Jerry Buss, wistfully noted that he felt “the same as Louis Armstrong did when he sang ‘Hello Dolly’ for the first time: ‘It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.’ ” Buss has good reason to croon. The Lakers, once the Western Conference’s lone superpower, haven’t won a championship since 1988. This year, prior to Magic Johnson’s return, they managed to sell out their arena only once all season. The Magical second coming has already resurrected ticket sales, and has made the Lakers formidable once again. The league is equally elated. Johnson and his rival, Larry Bird, saved the NBA from terminal unpopularity in 1979, and officials are hoping for a repeat performance. Commissioner David Stern telephoned Magic after his first game back. “I wanted him to know how happy I am he’s back playing,” he gloated. “I just told him to watch his hamstrings.”

But Magic’s hamstrings should be the least of the NBA’s worries. Does a player who is HIV-positive pose a threat to other players? The answer is: Yes, a threat that will probably never materialize, but which will be fatal if it does.