Olden Polynice recalled NBA players fearing Magic Johnson would die after Johnson announced on Nov. 7, 1991, that he had HIV and was retiring immediately. The former Clippers center said players panicked over possible exposure through sexual partners and rushed to doctors.
On the TFU podcast, Polynice said he heard rumors of a major announcement at The Forum and went there expecting routine sports news. He recalled people crying after Johnson announced he had HIV.
Johnson surprised Polynice by attending his birthday party on Nov. 21, 1991. Polynice said he hugged Johnson but avoided turning the celebration into a sad occasion. He also recalled Dennis Rodman competing against Johnson without easing up; the article notes Karl Malone voiced reservations about playing Johnson during comeback attempts and at the 1992 All-Star Game.
