Sports Heroes Say No On 8

Basketball hero Magic Johnson and retired San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (through his wife) have both come out against Proposition 8.

Via the No On 8 official site:

Magic Johnson, enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame after winning five NBA championships as a Los Angeles Laker, and three Most Valuable Player awards, has lent his voice to the chorus of those calling Proposition 8 wrong and unfair. In a recorded telephone call to California voters, Johnson says: "This is Magic Johnson calling to ask you to join me and Barack Obama in opposing Proposition 8. Prop 8 singles out one group of Californians to be treated differently – including members of our family, our friends, and our coworkers. That is not what California is about. So this Tuesday, vote no on Proposition 8. It is unfair and wrong. Thanks." The telephone message from Magic Johnson will reach millions of California voters in the final days, urging voters to reject this discriminatory and unfair initiative.

And while Hall Of Fame quarterback Steve Young's wife says that her husband is making no official endorsement, No On 8 yard signs have been placed in the yard of their Palo Alto home. Steve is a prominent Mormon and a direct descendant of Brigham Young. His wife, Barbara Young:

"I am very passionate about this issue and Steve is completely supportive of me and my work for equality," Barbara Young said in a statement to the Mercury News after midnight. "We both love our Church and are grateful that our Church encourages us to vote our conscience. Steve prefers not to get involved politically on any issue no matter what the cause and therefore makes no endorsement."

Last month the 49ers retired Young's number. His number was 8.