Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas Mend Relationship After Decades-Long Beef
“Let me apologize to you. If I hurt you. That we haven’t been together.”#PlayersOnlyMonthly pic.twitter.com/nDpfDfZek8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 20, 2017
The 25-year-old feud between Hall of Famers Irvin “Magic” Johnson and Isiah Thomas has come to an end. The pair appeared on NBATV’s special, “Players Only Monthly” Tuesday, Dec. 19 and the reunion was an emotional one.
Johnson and Thomas’ strife began after the 1988 and 1989 NBA Finals where the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons. By the time the 1992 Olympic Games rolled around, things had truly fallen apart. Johnson admitted in the 2009 book, “When the Game Was Ours” that he helped keep Thomas off the legendary Dream Team. Why? He believed Thomas was instrumental in spreading rumors that Johnson’s was gay or bisexual.
Today, things have changed and the two tearfully hugged it out on-air.
“You are my brother,” Johnson says. “Let me apologize if I hurt you, that we haven’t been together and God is good to bring us back together.”
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The emotions were high both on screen and off, as viewers tweeted about how the reunion affected them.
Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas
I’m not crying … you’re crying 😢
(H/T @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/aTaV32iIit
— Troy Hughes™ (@TommySledge) December 20, 2017
This may be the Greatest NBA … NO let me rephrase, TV specials I’ve ever seen. In this crazy world, to see a relationship healed and to see a man say “I’m sorry”. The world needs more. Thank You @MagicJohnson and @isaiahthomas is for letting world see what’s possible.
— Chris Tabb (@christabbshow) December 20, 2017
Whew that Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas sit down interview where Magic apologized after all them years of not talking😩. Had my eyes sweating and that pollen floating around HEAVY after that😩
— #QuarantineHeen (@heen_Doggish) December 20, 2017
seeing someone own up to their actions and just simply apologizing for doing what they did could really go a long way.
— Brehanna Daniels (@Mindless_BMD) December 20, 2017
Spots stars chimed in with their thoughts, too.
Grown men stuff right here https://t.co/c3xZLCdeGD
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) December 20, 2017
Just saw the clip of @MagicJohnson & @iamisiahthomas WOW! Them BROTHERS NEEDED THAT MOMENT! Isiah told us stories. And he really missed having Magic in his life. So happy for them FOR REAL.
— al harrington (@cheddahcheese7) December 20, 2017
The Magic/Zeke interview on NBA TV was awesome..2 of my heros..When the game stops, we should all cherish the friendships that we built..forever..
— Chauncey Billups (@1MrBigShot) December 20, 2017
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