Ernie Johnson to leave 'Inside the NBA' after this season, ending 37-year run as host

Ernie Johnson, the longtime host of "Inside the NBA," announced Wednesday that the current season will be his last on the studio show, according to the Associated Press, whose report was carried by News4JAX and KSAT. His final broadcasts are expected during the NBA Finals in June.

Johnson, 70, made the announcement in a video posted on social media and also opened Wednesday's "NBA Tip Off" on ESPN by telling viewers, the AP reported. He said the choice was his own, telling viewers, "It's just time."

Johnson stressed that he is reducing his workload rather than leaving broadcasting altogether, 6abc and ABC7 News Bay Area reported. "Just to be clear, I'm not retiring. Just cutting back," he said. He will continue hosting NCAA men's tournament coverage for CBS and TNT, and he has launched a production company named 32 Bow Ties, a nod to his signature neckwear, according to the AP.

Johnson said he has faced heart problems over the past two years and underwent bypass surgery last August, the AP reported. According to 6abc, he said he is doing well but that the experience underscored the value of time with his family.

He also explained that he has long measured his readiness by how much he enjoys preparing for each show, and that he decided to step away once that work began to feel more like a burden than a pleasure, the AP reported.

Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and began hosting the show in 1990, when it aired on TNT and TBS, 6abc reported. The program moved to ESPN and ABC last season but is still produced by TNT. Its lineup of Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards, according to the AP; 6abc put the total at more than 20. Smith became a full-time member in 1998, Barkley in 2000 and O'Neal in 2011.

The AP reported that Barkley was visibly emotional and struggled to speak during the opening of Wednesday's show. 6abc noted that Barkley has said this will also be his final season, though he has reversed similar statements in the past.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro called Johnson one of the most respected figures in sports media in a statement, and TNT Sports said it looks forward to working with him on his next projects.

Last season, the show covered the NBA Finals for the first time, and Johnson presented the championship trophy after the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, the AP reported. According to 6abc, the show is scheduled for 25 regular-season appearances this season, plus the playoffs.

Compiled by True News from reporting by News4JAX, KSAT, 6abc Action News and ABC7 News Bay Area. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/571