Michael Wilbon takes leave from ESPN over health issues

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 20:14 · Archive

ESPN broadcaster Michael Wilbon is taking an indefinite leave of absence from Pardon the Interruption and his NBA duties due to multiple health issues.

Michael Wilbon announced on Monday that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN's Pardon the Interruption and his NBA analyst duties to address 'multiple health issues'. In a post on social media, the 68-year-old broadcaster described the break as 'a trip to the injured list', adding he hopes it will 'not an extended one'.

Wilbon acknowledged that he should have listened to medical professionals and people close to him, including co-host Tony Kornheiser, who observed concerning signs in recent years. He emphasised that his health struggles are not related to alcohol or gambling. Wilbon did not specify when he plans to return, saying 'I have no idea exactly how this part of my journey will wind up' but expressing the goal to 'come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony'.

Wilbon's last appearance on Pardon the Interruption was on 26 October. The programme recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Wilbon and his family have the organisation's full support, describing him as 'an important member of our ESPN team and widely respected by his peers'.

How it is being reported

• Longtime ESPN host Michael Wilbon announces he's stepping away indefinitely amid health issuesDue to a health issue, Michael Wilbon, the decorated former Washington Post sports columnist, is stepping away from the ESPN show he's co-hosted since 2001.Daily Mail Sport · 2 Nov, 22:14
• Longtime host Michael Wilbon steps away from ESPN due to ‘health issues’Pardon the Interruption co-host to take leave of absence Wilbon did not go into detail but cited ‘worrisome signs’ Michael Wilbon, the co-host of ESPN’s popular Pardon the Interruption talkshow alongside good friend Tony Kornheiser announced on Monday he is taking a leave of absence because of what he described as “multiple health issues”. Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, wrote in a post on X that he is taking a trip to “the injured list” but added he hopes it is “not an extended one”. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 2 Nov, 19:51
• Michael Wilbon announces indefinite leave from ESPN, 'PTI' due to ‘multiple health issues’Michael Wilbon announced he's stepping away from "PTI" and NBA duties at ESPN due to multiple health issues, saying he should have listened sooner.Fox News · 2 Nov, 19:22
• Michael Wilbon stepping away from ESPN due to worrisome health problems: ‘I should have listened’Longtime ESPN broadcaster Michael Wilbon is taking a step back from work to address "multiple health issues" he said he should have listened to sooner.New York Post · 2 Nov, 18:00

In this story: Michael Wilbon · Tony Kornheiser · ESPN · ABC

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