Talk radio host says Magic faked having AIDS

October 10, 4:23 PMLos Angeles Lakers ExaminerColin Ward-Henninger

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AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

Ridiculous. Absurd. Thoughtless.

Those terms don't even begin to describe the offensive comments made by Langdon Perry, a Minneapolis talk radio host, about Magic Johnson.

Perry said he was:

Convinced that Magic faked AIDS.  … I’m not sure why, but I’m pretty sure he faked AIDS … Cause he’s the only cured AIDS guy ever.

Read the synopsis given by Janis Carr of the OC Register.

Examiner's own Paula Duffy also wrote a great reaction piece to the moronic comments.

I'm all for free speech, but with one caveat: think before you speak!

I'm sure this guy will get what's coming to him, likely a pink slip and a spot on the talk radio blacklist, but the damage has already been done. Magic has been through enough that this probably feels like a mosquito bite on his 300-pound frame, but saying such harmful things affects people, and that's what these guys don't seem to get. Here are Magic's comments:

I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis. I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable. Chris, Langdon and KTLK should use their power in a more positive light by encouraging people to get tested for this disease instead of making up such ridiculous lies.

As a Laker fan, I'm angry. As a sports journalist, I'm mortified. As a human being, I'm embarrassed.