Ernie Johnson Leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ After This Season: “It’s Just Time”

The Godfather is retriring. Ernie Johnson, the kind, self-effacing host of TNT‘s perennial Emmy-winner Inside the NBA, announced today that he will be leaving the show at the end of this season. “So why now?” Johnson asked rhetorically in a a video announcing his decision. “Total honesty: I’ve always prided myself on my preparation. The hours I put in getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job. But I’ve always vowed that if that became more of a challenge that a joy that I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now, after 37 seasons, it’s time.” The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer also said there was another contributing factor. Watch on Deadline “For nearly two years now, I’ve dealt with heart issues. Had bypass surgery 14 months ago. Still trying to get this thing to beat exactly the way it should — and we’re getting there.” He is not, however, completely calling it quits. “Just to be clear, I’m not retiring,” Johnson said. “Just cutting back…So this is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page. And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA.” Johnson has won Sports Emmys for Outstanding Personality/Studio Host eight times, including each of the past two years. The program itself is has won Outstanding Studio Show – Daily six times. Possibly even more significant, it is widely considered the gold standard for post-game analysis for combining Johnson’s 47-years of broadcast experience with insights from former NBA Champions Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith and, of course, the inimitable Charles Barkley. Johnson’s knowledge, skills as a broadcaster and his ability to channel the on-set chaos generated by O’Neal, Smith and Barkley have led that NBA Hall of Fame trio to dub him “The Godfather.” In recent years, a number of shows across sports have tried to duplicate that alchemy, to varied effect.