Magic Johnson's 1991 HIV diagnosis sent shockwaves through the NBA, changing how players viewed the disease.
What happened after the diagnosis?
The diagnosis made players realize their vulnerability, given they play half of their season away from home.
Charles Barkley, Johnson's 1992 Dream Team teammate, said the situation made him change his sex life.
Barkley stated, "If the situation with Magic Johnson didn't make you change, there's something wrong with you."
How did the NBA respond?
Then Commissioner David Stern personally studied HIV and implemented health protocols to prevent the disease from spreading during games.
Stern arranged for doctors to educate players about HIV, which Barkley called a "brilliant move".
The doctor told players they couldn't get HIV from rubbing up against someone or bumping into them.
What was the outcome?
Magic Johnson played in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, winning MVP honors, and suited up for the legendary Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics, winning a gold medal.
Johnson attempted two NBA comebacks before finally calling it a career in 1996.
The NBA never made HIV testing mandatory, but after Johnson's diagnosis, no other NBA player contracted HIV.
Many credited Stern's health protocols for this, as well as the players' efforts to protect themselves.
Magic Johnson was 31 years old when he announced his retirement, having won the NBA's MVP award in three out of the last five seasons.
He had come off a Finals appearance against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Johnson did not practice safe sex and had multiple sex partners, which made his situation a wake-up call for other players.
Barkley called out the illiteracy of players, saying, "We're so ignorant in our society, we treat people with AIDS terribly."
He added that he would probably retire and spend every day with his daughter if he were in Johnson's shoes.
The situation with Magic Johnson made everyone more careful with their sex lives, with Barkley saying, "Anybody who has sex without using a condom is out of his mind.