Sports Media: Ernie Johnson Steps Down as Inside the NBA Host

Ernie Johnson will stop hosting Inside the NBA after 36 years on the program. The announcement was made on Wednesday via a social media post. Johnson, 70, said he is stepping back to prioritize his health while remaining active in sports media.

Johnson began his television career as a news anchor in 1979. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and started hosting Inside the NBA in 1990. The show ran for three decades with a consistent core group of analysts. Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal formed the final permanent cast.

Johnson said recent heart issues prompted him to reconsider his schedule. He stated he is doing well but wanted to slow down his pace. "I just want to slow down a bit," he said. He clarified that he is not fully retiring from broadcasting.

"Just to be clear, I'm not retiring," Johnson said. "Just cutting back. … So this is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page." He plans to continue covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Johnson in a statement. Pitaro called him one of sports media's most respected figures. He noted that Johnson helped create one of the most iconic studio shows in sports history.

Barkley reacted during the broadcast on Wednesday night. He called Johnson an "unquestionable leader" and said he is better than people expect. Barkley also announced that this would be his final season on the show. He noted that he has said this before in the past.

The show will continue with the remaining cast members. Johnson will remain part of the sports media landscape through his college basketball coverage. The team will celebrate him during the upcoming season.