ESPN's "The Announcement" (Magic Johnson Special) (MVP, star, game)

[Orangeish]

Did anyone else out there see this 90 minute documentary on Magic? I thought it was one of the best specials ESPN has ever done. It starts with Magics rise in the NBA and the lifestyle that existed in LA in the 1980s. Then it takes you through the diagnosis with HIV and the subsequent events. It really is a moving piece and I reccomend anyone watch it.

I think Karl Malone (who was villified for his comments about Magic back in 1992) said it best when looking back. Paraphrasing - "name another athlete that could have handled it like he did, there is no one." I believe that is true, Magic was smiling and inspiring in what could have been the hardest time of his life.

Great footage of the 92 all-star game, as well as the dream team. I was young at the time, but I still can remember vividly watching Magic nail those 3s at the end of the all star game, and holding up the MVP trophy. I got a little choked up watching it tbh....

Great watch, anyone else see it?

[DOUBLE H]

I did. I haven't been happy with ESPN lately and have said so on different threads, but it's the documentaries is where they show their stuff. That goes back to 2000 when they did their "Sports Century" series (which won an Emmy in 2000, by the way). It was very factual, very well done.

I remember going home after work and hearing Magic Johnson's announcement on the radio and I was just stunned. The tv stations talked about it for days.

[Oildog]

That was back when the perception was "Having HIV= Death in 2 years" for all you kids out there.