Magic Johnson is defending himself against posthumous criticism of his sexual exploits from Arthur Ashe.
In a book completed just before his death from AIDS, Ashe charged that the exploits of Johnson and fellow basketball star Wilt Chamberlain reinforced racist stereotypes of the black man as a slave to his sex drive."I have always taken full responsibility for my actions and risked public alienation by coming forward with my story," Johnson, who is infected with the AIDS virus, said in a statement Wednesday. "It is my hope that by taking the straightforward approach, I have begun and will continue to educate and bring awareness to the prevention and spread of this disease."
Johnson also called the tennis star "a role model for all."
For
Friday,
June 11
Biologist Jacques Cousteau 83
Actor Gene Wilder 59
Actor Chad Everett 56
Quarterback Joe Montana 37