Ernie Johnson to Leave Inside the NBA After 37 Seasons, Leaving Co-Hosts in Tears
Ernie Johnson announced he will leave Inside the NBA after 37 seasons, prompting an emotional live tribute from co-hosts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.
An emotional milestone unfolded on American television as Charles Barkley broke down in tears live on air following Ernie Johnson's announcement that he will step down as host of the legendary basketball show "Inside the NBA" at the end of the current season. Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith also struggled to contain their emotions in one of the most poignant moments in the program's history.
Johnson, 70, who has hosted the show for 37 seasons and became a beloved fixture in American sports broadcasting, shared his decision in a social media video before repeating it on air. "This will be my final season," Johnson said. "It is entirely my decision. It's simply time. It has been the greatest honor to share countless nights around the table with my brothers Kenny, Charles, and Shaq, and our dedicated production teams."
Tribute from Co-Hosts
Following the announcement, Johnson turned to Barkley, whose eyes filled with tears as his voice cracked. "It's been an amazing journey. You were our unquestioned leader," Barkley said, adding that people frequently ask him if Johnson is as genuine off-camera as he appears on television. "And I tell them, man, he's even better than that. All I want to say is thank you for being our leader all these years."
Shaquille O'Neal echoed the sentiment, praising Johnson for managing what they playfully call the best circus in town. Kenny Smith rose from his seat to deliver a prolonged ovation to his longtime colleague, highlighting the profound bond shared by the quartet.
Health and Future Plans
Beyond the show, Johnson revealed personal motivations behind his departure, noting that the daily preparation had increasingly become a heavy burden. He also shared that over the past two years, he faced heart issues and underwent bypass surgery. While his condition is good and doctors did not order him to stop working, the health scare shifted his perspective on life and time spent with his wife, Cheryl Ann, and their five grandchildren.
Johnson clarified that he is not fully retiring from television. He will continue covering the NCAA tournament and select TNT and CBS projects, while launching a new production company focused on inspiring sports stories. Meanwhile, the departure marks the end of an era for "Inside the NBA," which began in 1989 and became a cultural phenomenon under Johnson's steady leadership.
