Michael Wilbon is taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN and ABC to focus on his health, the longtime “Pardon the Interruption” host announced in a statement posted on X.
Wilbon said that “struggles with multiple health issues in recent months” had led him to step away from his duties on “PTI” and ESPN’s NBA coverage. He described the break as “a trip to the injured list” and said he hoped it would not be an extended one.
Speaking Monday on Tony Kornheiser’s podcast, Wilbon said he missed the previous week of “PTI” after feeling “exhausted — beyond exhausted, lifeless.” He added that Kornheiser and others close to him had encouraged him to take time away from the program and his NBA studio analyst role.
Wilbon also said he has diabetes and linked his current health concerns to the demands of frequent red-eye flights and issues he had previously ignored.
Wilbon has co-hosted “Pardon the Interruption” with Kornheiser since the show began in 2001. The program, which features the two former Washington Post sportswriters discussing and debating the day’s sports news, marked its 25th anniversary in October.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Wilbon and his family have the network’s full support while he focuses on his health and well-being. Pitaro called Wilbon an important and widely respected member of the ESPN team and said the network looks forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.
Frequent “PTI” guest hosts Pablo Torre and Frank Isola will fill in for Wilbon this week. ESPN’s other NBA analysts will cover his responsibilities on the network’s basketball programs.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.