Oct. 11, 2008: Twin Cities radio duo: Magic fakes having AIDS

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: February 20, 2009 - 8:41 AM

A Twin Cities talk-radio duo agreed on the air that pro basketball legend Magic Johnson has been faking having AIDS, prompting a harsh denouncement today from the NBA legend and a concession from the station.

The brief exchange Wednesday regarding Johnson, who has been HIV-positive since 1991, came on the politically conservative KTLK Radio (100.3 FM) between on-air personalities Chris Baker and Langdon Perry.

In a written statement this afternoon, KTLK program director Steve Versnick said that despite the Baker and Perry's "off-hand remarks," the station "recognizes the seriousness of the health issues presented by HIV/AIDS -- and the great work that Magic Johnson has done across the nation in calling attention to this disease, and the importance of HIV testing and treatment."

He added that KTLK will be airing HIV/AIDS awareness public service announcements and will reach out to Johnson for his thought on educating the public. Versnick declinded to say whether either Baker or Perry faced any discipline by the station.

On the air this morning, Baker characterized what he and Perry said as "not news. ... With everything going on right now, that someone would focus on something so stupid; three seconds of radio out of a four-second show."

The comments about the NBA Hall of Famer gained nationwide exposure through the liberal watchdog blog "Media Matters for America," which posted the audio and a transcript, which reads in part:

PERRY: What about diseases that are eminently treatable and you can live with for a long, long time quite healthily if you just get some basic drugs?

BAKER: Like Magic Johnson.

PERRY: Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.

BAKER: You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?

PERRY: I'm convinced that Magic faked AIDS.

BAKER: Yeah, me too.

PERRY: It falls apart --

BAKER: Which is horrible.

PERRY: -- when you get into motivation. I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty sure he faked AIDS.

BAKER: I've got a great e-mail here from --

PERRY: 'Cause he's the only cured AIDS guy ever.

"I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis," Johnson, 49, said in a statement released Thursday. "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."

In a telephone call to the KTLK studio, Baker and Perry declined to comment this morning about Johnson's reaction or further explain the on-air exchange.

Johnson, who was part of five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, retired abruptly in 1991 after revealing that he was HIV-positive. He made two brief comebacks before retiring for good in 1996. He also was on the U.S. basketball team that won Olympic gold in 1992.

Last week, Baker said on-air that he doesn't believe the homeless should be allowed to vote, characterizing them as "nuts."

He also said on the same show that "I'm not that excited about women voting, to be honest" and wishes there was "a little more care in who votes."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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