Ernie Johnson set to leave ‘Inside the NBA’ when season ends

SportsIMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS - Emmy award-winning, TNT sports host Ernie Johnson checks out the Amex Experience during the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in San Francisco. (Alison Yin/AP Content Services for American Express)APBy Thomas Lagrone | tlagrone@al.com“Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson posted a video to social media on Wednesday, where he shared that he was stepping away from the show when the season concludes.Johnson expressed in the video that it was completely his choice to leave the show. He provided a reason for stepping away, saying “It’s just time.” Johnson also cited that he wants to spend more time with his family, which became apparent after dealing with some heart issues over the past couple of years. The legendary broadcaster has hosted “Inside the NBA” for 37 seasons, as he began the gig in 1990. Johnson said he has always enjoyed preparing for the show, but recently it has felt more challenging than enjoyable. Although Johnson is leaving the show, he made sure to say, “I’m not retiring, just cutting back.” The 70-year-old personality still plans to work for CBS and TNT. Specifically, Johnson mentioned working during March Madness. The sports broadcaster also said, “I’ve just started a new production company called 32 Bow Ties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports.”Notably, fellow member of “Inside the NBA” Charles Barkley has also said he was leaving the show at the end of the season. 2026 Georgia high school softball state finals: GHSA tournament schedule and where to watch2026 Arkansas high school volleyball state finals: AAA tournament schedule and where to watch2026 Georgia high school volleyball state finals: GHSA tournament schedule and where to watch2026 Alabama high school volleyball state finals: AHSAA tournament schedule and where to watchHow to watch Utah-Houston college football game for free tonightThomas Lagrone is an Alabama native and recent graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor's degree in sports communication. Thomas has loved participating in and watching sports...