A couple of conservative talk show hosts have accused NBA great Magic Johnson of misleading the public with a false claim of being stricken with the deadly illness:

Magic Johnson says he’s outraged that a pair of Minneapolis talk radio hosts accused him of faking AIDS. KTLK’s Chris Baker and Langdon Perry made the remarks during Baker’s conservative talk show on Wednesday. Perry responded by asking about treatable diseases that a person can live with for a long time “if you just get some basic drugs.” Baker responded, “Like Magic Johnson?” Perry replied, “Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.” Baker said, “You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?” Perry replied, “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.” “Me too,” Baker said. Johnson issued a statement Thursday saying he was “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,” Johnson said. “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.”

Over the years many have speculated about Johnson’s health status because of his appearance. Johnson was diagnosed with the disease during a time when the medications that are readily available now weren’t developed yet. Johnson never seemed to miss a beat, even returning to the NBA. I have no reason to believe this. How do you feel about the claims ?