Will Anyone Ask Magic Johnson About His Television Commercials?

During the NBA basketball finals, Magic Johnson has been a major part of the television coverage.

He has been commentating during halftime of the games and doing a ton of interviews.

None of the sports interviewers have asked Johnson about the commercials he is doing for, Jackson Hewitt, a tax refund anticipation company, or for Rent-A-Center.

The commercials run heavily in urban areas and target working poor. I've written a couple of articles about Johnson's involvement in the tax refund anticipation business. No response from Johnson or the people around him.

Magic has been successfully able to lead a double life. The sports networks are allowing him to project a positive, "nice guy" image while he raking in big dollars peddling products that exploits the poorest members of society.

Johnson's recent interviews have been of the softball variety. I hope some sports journalist has the courage to ask Johnson about the commercials and endorsements and let him give his side of the story.

That is a story I would like to hear.

PREVIOUS HUFFINGTON POST COLUMNS ABOUT MAGIC JOHNSON AND THE TAX REFUND INDUSTRY.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-mcnay/magic-johnson-and-the-tax_b_184180.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-mcnay/an-open-letter-to-magic-j_b_190126.html

Don McNay, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, CSSC is the founder of McNay Settlement Group, a structured settlement consulting firm, in Richmond, Kentucky.

He is the author of Son of a Son of a Gambler: Winners, Losers and What to Do When You When The Lottery. You can write to Don at [e-mail] or read his award winning column at www.donmcnay.com.

McNay is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

Comments

[Dave Astor - Huffpost Blogger]

I'm glad you wrote about this again. It's shameful that some wealthy star athletes or ex-athletes do commercials that can be harmful. They certainly don't need the money. I hope your blog posts help push Magic Johnson to "foul out" of the cynical game he's playing.

[sonshine]

If there's a petition or a letter campaign to Magic about this I'm in. I cringe every time I hear him on the radio or see him on TV pretending that the loan sharks he peddling to poor people are a good thing. Please keep talking about this huge problem.

Thanks.

[Serious Lee]

Thank you for raising these questions.

I have been screaming from the roof top. Magic Johnson has been the recipient of laurels and acclaim for using his business acumen and finances to give back to the economically challenged communities. However the promotion of irresponsible financial practices like Rent-A-Center and tax anticipation loans is unfathomable. What next, investing in the lottery as a retirement plan?

These advertisements target the very people that have the least amount of exposure to sound financial planning and can least afford to make these miscalculations in financial management.

I have seen Mr. Johnson receive honors and awards for his entrepreneurial efforts to bring businesses to the communities and provide employment for its residents. I had admired his ability to make a profit and give back at the same time. My mistake.

So my question is Et tu, Brute? How much money are they paying you, Magic, to sell out the people that idolize you?

Shame on you, Magic, shame on you!