Few sportsman endeared themselves to the public quite like Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, whose infectious grin and dazzling talent have played a big part in the NBA's unprecedented era of prosperity.
So when the gentle giant stands at a packed news conference at the Forum, the scene of his many triumphs with the Los Angeles Lakers, and, with his wife Cookie alongside him, announces he is retiring at 32 because he has tested HIV positive, the nation is stunned.
Johnson's shocking disclosure prompts an immediate, and massive, outpouring of emotion from friends, fans and journalists alike.
The HIV bombshell comes as a result of routine tests and Johnson emphasises that he does not have Aids, only the virus that leads to it. Johnson - who believes he got the Aids virus by having unprotected sex with women - says he hopes his decision to make it public will increase national awareness of the disease.
Awareness is in short supply. Many people do not understand the difference between being HIV positive and actually having Aids. At the time, the typical length of time from infection to death is eight to 10 years and few believe the virus is anything other than a death sentence. Karl Malone is just one player who expresses discomfort about playing against him.
The Lakers are losing one of the greatest stars in the history of the game.
