On November 7, 1991, the world of basketball—and the world at large—ground to a halt. In a stunning press conference from The Forum, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the transcendent superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the most famous people on the planet, announced he was retiring from the NBA after testing positive for HIV.

On this episode of BenchMarks, the Empty the Bench Network's E60 audio form podcast, we take you back to that pivotal moment. Narrator Callan McClurg guides us through the immediate aftermath, featuring the indelible audio from Magic's emotional announcement. We explore the seismic reaction from across the NBA landscape, the specific impact felt within the legendary Lakers locker room, and how the news forever changed the conversation around health, celebrity, and AIDS awareness.

Finally, we trace Magic's incredible journey from his initial retirement to his improbable return to the court, and how his unwavering influence has evolved into successful ownership endeavors across multiple sports, solidifying his legacy far beyond the hardwood.

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Every legendary game, every world-shaking scandal, and every career-defining moment leaves a mark on the sports world. Welcome to BenchMarks, the premier audio documentary series from the Empty the Bench Network, where the goal is to go beyond the final score and explore the events that changed the landscape of sports forever.

Modeled after the deep-dive, cinematic style of long-form sports journalism, this series utilizes rich archival audio, expert analysis, and immersive storytelling to bring history to life. BenchMarks provides a definitive look at the ghosts, legends, and turning points of the games we love. Whether it's a tragedy that stopped the world, a billion-dollar geopolitical conflict, or the rise of a flawless dynasty, we find the truth behind the headlines.

This is where the box score ends and the real story begins. Grab a seat on the bench and get ready to witness the moments that set the standard.

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