Magic Johnson Won't Return to ESPN

Magic Johnson is part of a group that owns the Los Angeles Dodgers

Magic Johnson won’t return to ESPN as an NBA studio analyst.

The Hall of Famer says in a statement released by the network Thursday that because of his busy schedule, "I don’t feel confident that I can continue to devote the time needed to thrive in my role."

The announcement comes as the Dodgers enter the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Johnson is part of a group who took ownership of the Dodgers in March 2012 after the ups, downs and general mediocrity of the Frank McCourt era.

Since retiring from basketball, he has been successful in business, investing in movie theaters, a production company and restaurants. He has also been an activist in the fight against HIV after being diagnosed with the virus in 1991.

He expanded his role on ESPN to join “NBA Countdown” in 2011.

Johnson says: "I will always feel a strong connection to the ESPN family and I enjoyed working with them very much."

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