NBA | Magic Johnson reacts to radio insults

MINNEAPOLIS — Retired player Magic Johnson criticized two talk-show hosts Friday for accusing him of faking AIDS but said he didn't want them to be fired.

Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of KTLK-FM in Minneapolis made the remarks during Baker's conservative radio show Wednesday. After Johnson condemned the statements, the station said it regretted "some offhand remarks" by Baker and Perry.

"We can't have people out here making false statements and putting out bad information, because this battle is too big when it comes to HIV and AIDS," Hall of Famer Johnson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "I poured my life into it and a lot of other people have poured their life into it, into getting out the right information so people can protect themselves and know what HIV and AIDS is all about."

Johnson, a three-time league MVP, called the remarks "so stupid" and said he hadn't heard from station officials.

According to a partial transcript on mediamatters.org, a media-watchdog site, the remarks came after a caller said health care isn't a basic right. Perry mentioned treatable diseases that a person can live with for a long time "if you just get some basic drugs."

Baker said, "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, 49, was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and first retired at 32. Johnson said his health is "wonderful" and also noted he has HIV, not AIDS.

Notes

• Seattle Prep graduate Spencer Hawes, a former Washington Husky, scored 21 points to help host Sacramento beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 94-85 in an exhibition game.

The Sonics moved from Seattle to Oklahoma and the team name was changed to Thunder. Jeff Green had 19 points for the Thunder (0-2).

• Dwight Howard collected 28 points and 10 rebounds and the host Orlando Magic overwhelmed defending Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow 94-66 in an exhibition.

Ex-Sonic Rashard Lewis scored 15 points for the Magic.

• The Indiana Pacers traded forward Shawne Williams to the Dallas Mavericks for 14-year veteran Eddie Jones, future draft picks and cash.

Larry Bird, president of the Pacers, has made it clear he plans to repair the team's image after several negative off-the-court issues in recent years. Williams, Indiana's first-round draft pick in 2006, was dogged by three incidents involving police in the past 13 months.