Ernie Johnson Leaving Inside the NBA After Heart Surgery, Health Issue

Ernie Johnson is throwing fans for a hoop.

The legendary TV host decided this season of Inside the NBA would be his last after hosting the analyst sportscast for 37 years, emphasizing the transition was “totally my decision.”

“As the years have gone by, and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me, ‘So, how long are you going to keep doing Inside?'” Johnson announced in a video on X. “Well, I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that. This will be my last season.”

And though the anchor reiterated, “it’s just time,” that doesn’t mean he won’t miss his TV family, including co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley as they keep hosting the series.

“It’s been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, at the desk with my brothers Kenny, Charles and Shaq,” Johnson continued, “and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted. I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”