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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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25

Magic Johnson: Isiah Spread Rumors I Was Gay

Thomas denies accusation, feels 'really hurt'

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(Newser) – Magic Johnson blames former friend Isiah Thomas for spreading rumors that Johnson was gay after he announced he had HIV in 1991. "Isiah kept questioning people about it,'' Magic writes. "I couldn't believe that. The one guy I thought I could count on had all these doubts. It was like he kicked me in the stomach.'' Johnson makes the accusations in When The Game Was Ours, a forthcoming book with Larry Bird. Johnson adds that he and others blackballed Thomas from the 1992 Olympic Dream Team.

Thomas denies spreading rumors. "I'm really hurt, and I really feel taken advantage of for all these years," he tells Sports Illustrated. "I didn't know he felt this way. Magic acted and responded off some really bad information that he got." Of the Olympic revelation, he says: "I'm glad that he's finally had the nerve and the courage to stand up and say it was him, as opposed to letting Michael Jordan take the blame for it all these years."

In this April 16, 2008, file photo, New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas watches from the bench as his team played the Indiana Pacers in the first half of NBA basketball action in Indianapolis.
In this April 16, 2008, file photo, New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas watches from the bench as his team played the Indiana Pacers in the first half of NBA basketball action in Indianapolis.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
In this photo provided by MJ Memorial, former basketball player Earvin Magic Johnson speaks at Michael Jackson's Public Memorial Service held at Staples Center on Tuesday July 7, 2009, in Los Angeles.
In this photo provided by MJ Memorial, former basketball player Earvin Magic Johnson speaks at Michael Jackson's Public Memorial Service held at Staples Center on Tuesday July 7, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/MJ Memorial, Harrison Funk)
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Let me put it to you this way: He and I were such close friends, if I was questioning his sexuality, then I was questioning mine too. That's how idiotic it is. - Isiah Thomas

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25 comments
VIEWING:
 
Yourself
Oct 22, 09 4:54 PM CDT
Hey Magic, get over yourself. no one cares if you are or not. Stop trying to be in the limelight. Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Jayster999
Oct 22, 09 5:04 PM CDT
I'd read a book written by him and Bird, mainly for the Bird droppings.
Vote up! Vote down!
-2
IN RESPONSE:
plstyle
Oct 22, 09 8:34 PM CDT
I'm sure the guy will take your advice to heart.
Vote up! Vote down!
-2
IN RESPONSE:
youngblood
Oct 23, 09 2:24 PM CDT
Yeah Magic no one cares really if you're gay or not but now with all your protesting I think you protest too much and are probably really gay!
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
Mia
Oct 22, 09 4:57 PM CDT
He makes me wonder if there is a cure for AIDS. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+2

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