Ernie Johnson to Leave 'Inside the NBA' After Final Season
The 70-year-old broadcaster says he is turning the page, not retiring, and will continue covering college basketball.
By Anthony Hoffmann ·
Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday that he will step down as the host of 'Inside the NBA' when the current season concludes. The decision ends a thirty-six-year run on the show, which he has anchored since 1990.
In a social media post, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer explained the move simply. "It's just time," he wrote. He clarified that while he is leaving the NBA studio, he is not retiring from broadcasting. "This is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page," Johnson stated.
Johnson, who is 70 years old, said he intends to slow his pace. He plans to keep working, including covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports. He noted that he has dealt with heart issues in recent years but emphasized that health is not the reason for his departure from the NBA show. "I just want to slow down a bit," he added.
The six-time Sports Emmy Award winner joined Turner Sports in 1989. He expressed gratitude to the crews at TNT Sports and ESPN for their support over the decades. "I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support. And on this day, for your understanding," Johnson said in the post.
He added that he will forever cherish every chapter written with the show. The announcement marks the end of an era for one of television's most recognizable voices in basketball coverage.
Source: WBTV
