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Ernie Johnson, beloved host of Inside the NBA, to step away from show at end of season
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Ernie Johnson, the longtime host of Inside the NBA, announced he will step down at the end of the current season after 37 years in the role.
- Johnson, 70, cited health reasons, including bypass surgery 14 months ago, and a desire to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.
- He has faced multiple health challenges during his career, including a 2003 diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and blood clots in 2018.
- Johnson has been a key figure on Inside the NBA since 1990, working alongside analysts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal; Barkley also plans to retire at the end of this season.
- Inside the NBA has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards and recently moved from Turner networks to ABC and ESPN in 2025.
