No, Magic Johnson Is Not in a Coma

An email hoax masquerading as a CNN news story dated September 18, 2003 claims that Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has succumbed to AIDS and is currently in a coma, near death, in a Los Angeles hospital. 'His eyes are open, but it's just a dead stare,' Johnson's attorney supposedly told CNN. 'He could go any day now.'

Wouldn't you know it, the retired basketball star was spotted in Baltimore a few days later and looked to be in perfect health. There's even a photo to prove it!