Sport
Magic Johnson defends David Stern
Johnson recalled it was Stern who offered him a place in the 1992 NBA All-Star game, even over some players’ wishes after he had retired the previous November because of HIV. And it was Stern who included Johnson that summer on the Dream Team that won the Olympic gold medal.
And it was Stern, he said, who called him after Johnson’s comments about Thomas in his book ignited a public feud between the longtime friends, urging Johnson to work it out.
“He has always done what’s right for both the players and owners. I’m going to have to say this personally, David, he didn’t have to do that. That’s the type of commissioner he is.
“He always is looking out for the players and what’s best for the league, and I disagree with anybody who says he’s trying to be a plantation owner. It’s ridiculous we’re even talking about it.”
The 69-year-old Stern is likely nearing his final years on the job after becoming commissioner on Feb. 1, 1984, just as Johnson and Larry Bird were renewing the longtime rivalry between the Lakers and Boston Celtics. Johnson said he’s “tired of people taking shots” at Stern, especially because so many of them have jobs connected to the NBA that Stern created.
“He’s a tough business man and a smart business man,” he said. “That’s what he’s supposed to be.”
Stern did not comment, though he told the Washington Post that Kessler’s conduct “is routinely despicable.”
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
