Earvin Johnson Jr. entered a crowded room Thursday at 3 o'clock and said: "First, let me say good late afternoon to everybody. Because of the HIV virus that I have obtained, I will have to retire from the Lakers today."

He was smiling.

He was the only one.

Earvin Johnson Jr. then said: "I just want to make it clear, I do not have the AIDS disease."

He was smiling.

He was telling you the good news.

He said: "My wife is fine. She's negative."

He said: "Don't worry about me. I plan on being around for a long time."

He said: "Sometimes you're a little naive . . . you think it can never happen to you."

He was smiling.

He was telling you that he was still Earvin Johnson and that he would forever be Earvin Johnson and that no disease, no doctor's report, no life-or-death danger, no living nightmare of any kind would ever make him become anything or anybody other than who he is, Earvin (Magic) Johnson.

He didn't cry. He didn't want anybody to cry for him.

He said: "This is not like my life is over. Because it's not."

He wasn't afraid. He didn't want anybody to be afraid for him.

He said: "No, I'm not scared. It's another challenge in my life. It's another chapter in my life."

He wouldn't give up hope. He didn't want anybody to give up hope.

He said: "I'm going to beat this. You watch me. I'll beat this."

And you sat there not knowing what to say back.

You sat there watching the Lou Gehrig story come to life--a man, a young man, modern hero, model citizen, medical marvel who often overlooked or overcame pain, stricken suddenly with an illness of infinite mystery and misery, handling his fate with such staggering bravery and poise that his first instinct is to reassure \o7 you.\f7

What can you say to him? What can you say about him?

How do you say goodby to Magic Johnson?

How do you say goodby to a basketball player who personified the three qualities we treasure most in an athlete? Sportsmanship. Showmanship. Championship.

How do you say goodby to someone so good?

You don't.

You don't say goodby to Magic Johnson. You say hello to Magic Johnson. Because he will say hello back. Because that is what makes him Magic Johnson. Because he has a hello for everybody.

You don't have to avoid Magic Johnson. He is not contaminated. He is not a leper. He is still Magic Johnson, still your friend, so go ahead, be yourself, shake his hand, pat his back, have him hug your child.