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Statue of Magic revealed at Staples Center - 2004-02-12
Magic Johnson and Showtime made a stunning launch Wednesday facing Chick Hearn Court outside Staples Center.
A 17-foot bronze statue of the one-time Los Angeles Lakers’ star was unveiled at dusk before several hundred basketball enthusiasts and a handful of former teammates and dignitaries including NBA Commissioner David Stern and Mayor James K. Hahn.

“He’s been more than a basketball player, he’s been more than a winner. He’s been a person who’s left his mark on the city of Los Angeles, the NBA, all over the world,” shared Jerry West, a former Lakers star player, coach and executive.
Read the full story at MSNBC

MU goes for buyout strategy - 2004-02-12
Marquette University has decided to pay $500,000 to leave Conference USA following the 2004-'05 season rather than accepting a deal offered by the league that would have permitted the school to leave without penalty.

Cincinnati, Louisville and South Florida all were in accord to play two basketball games and one football game per season against a Conference USA team. DePaul, which like Marquette doesn't field a football team, will play two basketball games vs. Conference USA opponents each season.
Read the full story at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI