Magic Johnson

DoneRight & Co. sued Johnson and the creator of an NFT project, claiming to have invested 250,000 dollars in Magicverse Genesis and that the promised project had failed to materialise. Johnson was named for his alleged role as promoter.

Attribution

Accused

Following reports of a requested meeting between Ben Simmons and Johnson, the NBA examined possible tampering. It concluded that Johnson's statements did not breach the rules because Philadelphia had initiated the contact.

State of the evidence

Documented

Johnson abruptly announced his resignation as president of basketball operations before the season's final game without informing owner Jeanie Buss or LeBron James. A month later, he accused GM Rob Pelinka of having “stabbed him in the back” by spreading criticism of his professional commitment.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The NBA fined the Lakers 50,000 dollars following Johnson's public comments about Giannis Antetokounmpo, which were considered a breach of anti-tampering rules.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

The NBA fined the Lakers 500,000 dollars for violating anti-tampering rules concerning Paul George. The investigation identified prohibited contact between GM Rob Pelinka and the player's agent, following an earlier warning triggered by Johnson's television comments about George.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Johnson's late-night talk show faced extremely harsh criticism of his presenting and its format, together with declining ratings. Twentieth Television cancelled the programme less than two months after its launch.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Waymer Moore sued Johnson, alleging that he had transmitted HIV to her during a sexual encounter in 1990 and knew or should have known he posed a risk. Johnson acknowledged the relationship but denied knowing he was HIV-positive at the time. Two counts were dismissed in 1993 and the remainder of the case was ultimately withdrawn following a private settlement.

Attribution

Accused

A year after announcing that he was HIV-positive, Johnson prepared to return to the Lakers. Concerns expressed by several players about transmission risks, despite highly reassuring medical expert advice, became a major controversy and Johnson ultimately abandoned his return.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Johnson resigned from the National Commission on AIDS, accusing the Bush administration of neglecting the commission's recommendations and responding to the crisis with “words” rather than adequate policy.

State of the evidence

Documented