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ESPN Films and NBA Entertainment Present The Announcement Premiering March 11 on ESPN | ESPN MediaZone

Documentary Focuses on Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and His News that Changed the World 20 Years Ago

When he was on the court, Earvin Johnson captivated fans with his awe-inspiring performances. He was “Magic.” But on November 7, 1991, the eyes of the world turned to The Forum in Inglewood, CA for reasons other than basketball. The perennial NBA All-Star and three-time MVP held a press conference in the building in which he led the Lakers to five NBA championships to announce he was HIV-positive. ESPN Films and NBA Entertainment look back 20 years at a moment that stunned the world with the documentary The Announcement premiering on ESPN/ESPN HD on Sunday, March 11, at 9 p.m. ET.

Directed by Nelson George, whose works include the critically-acclaimed HBO film Life Support, The Announcement is narrated by Magic Johnson, providing a unique perspective by telling the story in his own words. The documentary also contains riveting insights from the people closest to him including his wife Cookie, son Andre, longtime rival and friend Larry Bird, Los Angeles Lakers teammates James Worthy and Kurt Rambis, former Lakers general manager Jerry West, and longtime friend and agent Lon Rosen. NBA Commissioner David Stern, former NBA star Karl Malone, and close friends Chris Rock and Arsenio Hall also share their memories of that time and insights on the character of the man who put a new face on HIV and AIDS.

Now, more than 20 years after the announcement, George gets to the core of Magic’s incredible personal journey and explores how he continues to thrive two decades later, thanks in large part to the fortitude of his wife, the vision of his friend and AIDS activist, the late Elizabeth Glaser, and the commitment of his former head coach Pat Riley.