Magic Won’t Run for Trustee Board at Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Lakers star Magic Johnson has withdrawn from consideration as a candidate for the board of trustees at Michigan State University, his alma mater.

Johnson, who played for the 1979 NCAA champion Spartans, told those encouraging him to run as a Democrat that he wanted to wait until after his playing career ends, an aide said.

Spokesman Darwin Payton said Johnson was very excited about being considered for the position.

“I think he just came up with the decision this week,” Payton said. “He wants to wait until the end of his NBA career.”

Johnson was being urged to run for the seat being vacated by Michigan State trustee Malcolm Dade, who is retiring.

Major party candidates for the Michigan State board are selected at the party conventions this year.