20 Years Ago Today Magic Johnson HIV Announcement

November 7, 1991 Basketball legend Magic Johnson holds a press conference to announce that he has HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and is retiring from the L.A. Lakers. From then on, he said, he would focus on staying healthy and on helping people—especially young people—understand the importance of practicing safe sex.

"You think it can never happen to you," he said, "that it happens only to other people." But "if it can happen to Magic Johnson, it can happen to anybody."

To read more about Johnson's story and his return to the game he loves and his message to those with the disease, please visit the History Channel for More info.