When Lakers legend, Magic Johnson released his 2009 memoirs, co-written with Larry Bird and ESPN analyst Jackie MacMullan, he almost rejected the possibility of reconciliation with his long-time friend and rival, IsiahThomas. Johnson and Thomas joked and made their way through the 1988 NBA Finals, which Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers won in 7 games.
They exchanged a peck on the cheek before the start of the first match. At the end of the 1989 final, which swept Thomas's Detroit Pistons, they were no longer friends. When Thomas was outside watching a "Dream Team" at the 1992 Olympics, Johnson admitted he lobbied to keep the all-star guard off the squad. He claimed that Thomas had spread rumors about his sexuality after his diagnosis of pre-Olympic HIV. Thomas denied the charge, but both Hall of Fame remained at odds for years. Not anymore.
In an NBA television segment Tuesday, Johnson apologized, and Thomas agreed in tears. "Let me apologize," said Johnson, his voice crisp, "if I hurt you, we have not been together and God is good to bring us back together." Thomas sat in front of him, the Larry O'Brien trophy between them on the floor, and cried. He got up and kissed Johnson and cried in his shoulder. Johnson planted a kiss on the side of his head. "I know, man," said Johnson. "It hurt me too, come here, man, it's crazy, it's one of those things we had to go through, but we did it, brother." Johnson said his family had told him said for years to come to terms with Thomas, but he refused. We do not know what led to the meeting. Johnson refers to several phone calls at one point in the video clip of his apology, but does not elaborate. - Washington Post
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