ESPN Films' 'The Announcement': Magic Johnson's Story Brought into Sharper Focus
Once all the March Madness and bracketology banter is out of the way, ESPN will turn to a bit of sobering and reflective programing with the debut of "The Announcement" at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
The film, directed by Nelson George, will take a closer look at the life and times of Magic Johnson and how the Los Angeles Lakers star's revelation of having HIV affected him, the NBA, the sports world and society at large.
Using interviews, music and archival footage, the film tells the story of Magic's ascent to sports superstardom, from his days as an NCAA champion at Michigan State to his growth into the central figure of the Showtime Lakers, both on and off the court.
We see Johnson working hard on the court and partying just as hard, if not harder, off of it, until that fateful day when he learned he had contracted a disease that, at the time, was considered almost instantly fatal.
Of course, that didn't prove to be the case, nor has it in the more than 20 years since, thanks to a drug cocktail that helps to maintain the normality of Johnson's immune system.
In that span, and with that new lease on life, Johnson has put his fame and fortune to tremendous use, becoming a successful businessman and breaking down barriers and stereotypes pertaining to the disease through which he's fought.
It's an important retrospective, to be sure—one that gives both sports fans and casual observers an opportunity to look at how far we, as a society, have come in our treatment of and perspective on the HIV/AIDS crisis and how far we have yet to go.
It also serves to humanize one of the most legendary figures in the history of sports and remind us all that nobody is immune to tragedy, no matter how heroic or superhuman they may seem.
And, just as importantly, that there can be joy and triumph in aftermath of such pain and struggle.
