Tom Izzo 'proud' of Magic Johnson for earning Presidential Medal of Freedom: 'It's great for everybody, but it's great for Michigan State'

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Tom Izzo didn’t hesitate to reach out to Earvin “Magic” Johnson after the Michigan State and NBA legend received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden on Saturday. 

“I called his (Johnson’s) brother right away,” Izzo said. “I couldn’t get him, but I did get a message to him.”

On Monday, the Michigan State basketball coach expressed another message of pride for Johnson, who helped deliver the university its first NCAA basketball title in 1979.

“I think that’s great for everybody, but I think it’s great for our university and for Michigan State to have one of our guys, one of our former guys, get such a prestigious honor,” Izzo said during his weekly press conference. “And as I read through why he got the award, you realize how many things he did. He stood out there when he was going through a tough time and took the bullets and took the people talking. He became an advocate for it. 

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for all 40 years since the first day I met him, but it just seems to be growing now. That’s what’s cool. That’s what makes me keep wanting to go. He’s getting better right now. He’s getting older and he’s getting better. He’s doing more, and people are recognizing that. I’m really, really proud of him for that. So from all of us here, Earvin, congratulations.”

Johnson, 65, received the award during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday. The award is given to individuals “who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” according to the White House. It is the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Johnson was one of 19 individuals who received a Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. He joins Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bob Cousy and Jerry West as former NBA players who have received the honor. 

Johnson starred at Lansing Everett High School in the early 1970s before committing to play basketball for his hometown Spartans in 1977. The standout point guard played two seasons at Michigan State before declaring for the 1979 NBA Draft, when he was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson won five NBA championships and three league MVP awards in his 13 seasons with the franchise. 

Known for his dynamic passing ability, the 12-time NBA All-Star ranks seventh in career assists, with 10,141.

Johnson temporarily retired from basketball in November 1991 after becoming one of the first professional athletes to publicly announce an HIV diagnosis. Shortly thereafter, Johnson started the Magic Johnson Foundation, which helps raise awareness for HIV/AIDS treatment and gives back to underserved communities. 

Johnson also has ownership in five different professional sports franchises, including the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and NFL’s Washington Commanders. He formerly served as President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers. Additionally, Johnson has worked in broadcast and as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist following his retirement. 

The following was read during Saturday’s ceremony:

“With unmatched vision and versatility, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson drove the ‘Showtime’ era for the Los Angeles Lakers. Under the same bright lights, his honesty about his HIV status shattered stigma and saved lives. With a legendary will and smile, Magic Johnson rose from the playground in Lansing, Michigan to become one of the most beloved athletes of our time.”

Johnson took to Twitter on Saturday to voice his appreciation for the honor.

“I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now,” Johnson wrote. “It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, Mich., would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States. 

“To be in the company of so many remarkable individuals is both humbling and inspiring. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his leadership and for recognizing the contributions of so many who are working to make a difference in our nation, especially inner cities of America, and across the world.

“This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today—my parents Earvin Sr. and Christine, wife Cookie, my kids Andre, EJ and Elisa; my brothers and sisters, friends, mentors, and colleagues. It also belongs to everyone who has dedicated themselves to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality.

“I accept this honor with a deep sense of responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the work still ahead and the change we can all help bring about! I promise to keep working to make a positive difference for our country and the world.”