Being the son of an NBA legend has to come with a lot of pressure, and EJ Johnson has likely felt some of that throughout most of his life. Earlier this week, the 20-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson went public with his boyfriend. His parents were thrilled for him.
“(My wife) Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way,” Magic told TMZ. “We’re very proud of him.”
EJ told TMZ’s camera crew that he is “hoping and praying” for the Los Angeles Dodgers to have a big year, which isn’t a surprise considering how close he and his parents are. Earvin Johnson III is one of Magic’s three kids, and Magic has spoken highly of him on Twitter in the past.
Many of you are probably thinking, “Big deal, does the guy deserve a medal for loving his son?” Hardly, but the fact of the matter is there are many people in Magic’s position who would be embarrassed by having a son who is openly gay. On the flip side, there are several people in EJ’s position who would feel inclined to keep their homosexuality a secret out of fear of the effect it would have on his or her parents. Their relationship should serve as an inspiration for people who find themselves in the same situation.
