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By Elayne Fluker | Published December 5, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

Magic Johnson and wife Cookie Johnson After a physical before the 1991–92 NBA season, Johnson discovered that he had tested positive for HIV. In a press conference held on November 7, 1991, Johnson made a public announcement that he would retire immediately. He stated that his wife Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly, who he married in 1991, and their unborn child did not have HIV, and that he would dedicate his life to "battle this deadly disease". Johnson initially said that he did not know how he contracted the disease, but later acknowledged that it was through having multiple sexual partners during his playing career. Magic continued to play off an on--including the NBA All Star game in 1992 and the Summer Olympics in the same year---before finally retiring in 1996.

Magic Johnson and wife Cookie Johnson

After a physical before the 1991–92 NBA season, Johnson discovered…