Magic Johnson’s plan changed drastically when his brother Larry learned he would be bused to Everett High School instead of attending Sexton High, which was predominantly black.
Magic Johnson was born Earvin Johnson Jr. to his parents, Earvin Sr. and Christine, in Lansing, Michigan.
Highlights
- Magic’s older sister, Pearl, and brother, Larry, had gone to Everett the year before Magic attended and had a tough time.
- Larry Johnson got sidetracked by the chance to make money selling drugs, which led him into a life of addiction, crime, and violence.
- Larry went through 12 treatment centers and served 8 jail sentences before realizing that he needed both God and professional help to break free.
His dad worked at General Motors, while his mom was a school janitor.
Magic had six siblings and three half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage.
His parents taught him the value of hard work. His mom spent long hours cleaning their home and cooking meals while his dad worked several jobs, including collecting garbage, all without ever missing a day at GM.
Magic often helped his dad with the garbage route, and neighborhood kids would tease him, calling him “Garbage Man.”
But soon, Magic Johnson earned the nickname “Magic” after he recorded an impressive triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists during a game as a sophomore at Everett High School.
Magic Johnson’s Early Struggles With Racism And Isolation, As His Brother Larry Warned Him
Earvin Sr. encouraged Magic and Larry to pursue basketball, and they were both on track to play in the NBA.
However, they were sent to a primarily white school, where they didn’t feel comfortable.
This experience made Larry feel bitter and angry, and he channeled that frustration into other areas of his life.
After all, Magic’s older sister, Pearl, and brother, Larry, had gone to Everett the year before Magic attended and had a tough time.
They faced racism, including rocks being thrown at buses carrying black students and white parents refusing to send their children to the school.
Larry had even been kicked off the basketball team after a disagreement during practice.
So, Larry warned his brother, Magic, not to play, but he joined the team anyway.
However, after a few days of being ignored by his new teammates—who wouldn’t even pass him the ball
Magic became frustrated and almost fought with one of the players. Consequently, Coach George Fox had to step in to break things up.
Larry Johnson’s Sobriety Led Him to Found Brotherhood Against Drugs
Larry Johnson reflected on the differences between him and his brother Magic.
While Magic faced challenges, he stayed focused on his goals and never let distractions stop him.
Larry, on the other hand, got sidetracked by the chance to make money selling drugs, which led him into a life of addiction, crime, and violence.
His dream of becoming a professional basketball player slipped away as he made poor choices.
He ended up in jail, facing threats and losing everything, while Magic went on to achieve success in the NBA.
After hitting rock bottom, including an overdose, job loss, and an arrest, Larry’s family stopped enabling him.
Larry Johnson described himself as the real-life prodigal son.
He compared his journey to the story in the Bible, where the father lets his son go and live as he pleases.
It wasn’t until the son hit rock bottom and realized his choices were harmful that he returned home.
Similarly, Larry found peace and lasting change only when he returned to his Heavenly Father, where he experienced true healing and rest and no longer sought temporary fixes.
Larry Johnson shared that addiction had a powerful grip on his life.
He went through 12 treatment centers and served 8 jail sentences before realizing that he needed both God and professional help to break free.
With 35 years of sobriety, Larry believes that overcoming addiction requires more than just a program.
As someone who continues to recover, Larry still participates in recovery programs but has gone further by founding the Brotherhood Against Drugs.
Additional Information
- Johnson was one of the first prominent sports figures to share that he had HIV openly.
- He was encouraged to speak out about his diagnosis by AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser, whom he had met through a friend.
- He is an investor in aXiomatic eSports, which owns Team Liquid.
