MAGIC JOHNSON was profiled by Leslie Stahl on "60
Minutes" and discussed his battle against HIV, his feelings
about today's NBA and his burgeoning business empire.
Johnson, on MICHAEL JORDAN's domination of today's younger
players: "We love to play. We love to compete. Most of
these guys, they'd rather have a shoe commercial on TV than
win a championship." Stahl: "Magic worked to make a bundle
from basketball and endorsements, which he has now parlayed
into a business empire and a personal fortune estimated at
$100 million. His latest project is to bring upscale stores
and services to the inner-city." Johnson, on joining with
Sony to open a 15-screen multiplex movie theater in South
Central L.A.: "Minorities used to [be], or still are, the
number one moviegoers of any group of people, but they don't
have any in their neighborhoods." With the movie theaters,
Johnson said he and Sony have "changed Hollywood, I think, a
little bit, and their mindset." Stahl reported that other
companies "are clamoring" to be Johnson's partner, from TGI
Friday's to Starbucks. Stahl: "Magic says he's showing that
black customers are eager to support businesses owned by
blacks and staffed by blacks" ("60 Minutes," CBS, 5/10).
