Ernie Johnson exits Inside the NBA after 36 years

Ernie Johnson will stop hosting Inside the NBA after 36 years, ending his role as the show's primary anchor. He made the announcement on social media on Wednesday. Johnson, who is 70, said he is stepping down to prioritize his health.

Johnson cited recent heart issues as the reason for the change. He stated that he is doing well now but decided to slow down his schedule. "I just want to slow down a bit," Johnson said. He clarified that he is not fully retiring from sports media.

The broadcaster will remain active in the industry. He will continue to cover the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports. Johnson described the move as a turning of the page rather than the end of his career. "Just to be clear, I’m not retiring," he said. "Just cutting back."

Johnson has worked in television for over 50 years. He started as a news anchor in 1979. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and began hosting Inside the NBA in 1990. The show features a long-standing panel that includes Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal.

Fellow panelist Charles Barkley reacted to the news during a broadcast on Wednesday. Barkley called Johnson the "unquestionable leader" of the group. "It’s been an amazing journey," Barkley said. He noted that he is often asked if Johnson is as good a person as he appears. Barkley answered that Johnson is better than that. He added that while he knew the departure was coming, it is still difficult.

Barkley also announced that the current season will be his final one on the show. He has previously stated it was his last season before returning to the set. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Johnson in a statement. Pitaro called Johnson one of sports media’s most respected figures. He noted that Johnson has been the heart of the program for more than three decades.

The show will continue with its current cast through the end of the season. Johnson will say his final goodbyes after the remaining episodes air. He expressed gratitude for the time he spent on the program. "I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with ‘Inside the NBA,'" Johnson said.