Taiwan Gives Magic Ok

Magic Johnson’s agent says the basketball star and his team have the blessing of Taiwan’s president to play two exhibition games in his country.

“The president of Taiwan issued a statement last night in Taiwan saying Magic and his team are welcome,” said Lon Rosen, Johnson’s agent. Chang Poya, director general of the Department of Health, said she decided to bar Johnson because Taiwanese laws prevent people who have significant contagious diseases, including AIDS, from visiting Taiwan.

Chen Cheng-chung, owner of Taiwan’s Hung Fu Rams basketball team, had said his team would play two games against Johnson’s squad of former NBA stars, who are scheduled to arrive Oct. 30.

Chen had said the purpose of Johnson’s visit includes educating people about AIDS.