Ernie Johnson set to hang up his NBA microphone after this season

Longtime “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson announced Wednesday that this season behind the desk will be his last, ending a career that made him one of the most prominent voices of pro basketball.

Johnson thanked show staff and co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, calling his “Inside the NBA” gig as the ultimate “get-to” position for the past 37 years.

“I’ve long described it as a ‘get-to job.’ I’m still amazed that I get to do this for a living,” Johnson said. “It’s been an honor to share so many nights, decades actually, at the desk with my brothers — Kenny, Charles and Shaq — and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted. And I so appreciate the leadership at TNT and ESPN for allowing the show to continue.”

At age 70, Johnson said the homework he needs to do for every show had become enough a burden to make 2027 the year to step away.

The host has been fighting heart disease for at least two years and underwent bypass surgery 14 months ago. He also was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in 2003, and prostate cancer…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports