The Miami Herald, Inc.; a Knight Ridder publication. One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 - Sunday, October 13, 1996 Edition: Final Section: Sports Page: 9C Word Count: 327
Dan Le Batard, Herald Sports Writer

TEXT: Please stay out of the boxing ring, Tommy Morrison. It's sad enough that your past is slowly killing you; don't allow your future to put someone else in danger, too.

I'm all for HIV-positive people having equal rights, mind you. If Tommy Morrison wants to earn money for charity by doing any kind of work other than fighting, good for him. In fact, I have a job opening for him, across the page from me every other Sunday. I realize Morrison has no writing experience, but that might be a plus. Certainly, writing experience hasn't prevented Cote over there from becoming completely illogical.

What, exactly, is Morrison proving by returning for one more fight? Other than the fact he can't stay away from the spotlight, I mean? He says he wants to send a message that HIV-positive people can achieve, too, but we already know that, don't we? The only message he would be sending is that, if you are HIV-positive and work and train really hard, you, too, can be a bad heavyweight.

Morrison should be out making speeches and joining government groups if he wants to advance his cause. He should not be swapping blood at close range with another boxer. Morrison should be free to do just about anything he pleases in America, but there are three things he shouldn't do with other people:

1) Have unprotected sex

2) Share needles

3) Box

This is a blood sport -- the most likely one where open wounds can meet. Scientists say the chance of becoming HIV-positive while boxing are "slim," but if scientists knew so much about this disease, they would have cured it already, no? The chances of getting hit by lightning are slim, too, but it happens.

There is one way, however, to reduce the risk of Morrison infecting another boxer from slim to none.

You don't let him box.

CAPTION: photo: Tommy Morrison (a-Ran as promo)

Copyright (c) 1997 Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reprint Permission: The contents of each issue of The Miami Herald are protected under the federal copyright act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue will not be permitted without the express permission of The Miami Herald. Reprints: 305-376-3719 Staff photos: 305-376-3756. Internal or personal use: Copyright Clearance Center, 508-750-4283, ext. 888; fax 508-750-4744. The Miami Herald or Knight Ridder shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
961013
MH961002

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1996. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .