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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 3, 1992                   TAG: 9202030176
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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COULD AUSSIES GET INFECTION MAGICALLY?

I SHARE Dr. Brian Sando's concern that Magic Johnson may pose a health threat to Australian opponents if he plays for the American Olympic team this summer.

The risk of an Australian player becoming infected by Magic (so to speak) does seem minimal, since they are extremely unlikely to be able to touch him during the course of the game, and I doubt any of them will be in his league at any event.

There is, however, a very real risk that Australian players, coaches and "health officials" may well die from embarrassment caused by his unique combination of court wizardry and good sportsmanship. So it's probably wise that Magic either stay home or the Aussies wear full face covering to avoid exposure. W. RON HOWELL HARDY

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