Magic Johnson, one of the most popular and accomplished players in basketball history, said today that he had been infected by the virus that causes AIDS and that he would retire immediately from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking in composed, straightforward terms, Johnson said at a news conference at the Great Western Forum, where he played with the Lakers for 12 seasons, that he learned only the day before that he was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.
"Because of the HIV virus I have obtained, I will have to retire from the Lakers today," he said. His doctors said that although Johnson was healthy now, continued athletic competition could harm his immune system.
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