Michael Wilbon Takes Indefinite Leave From ESPN Over Health Issues

Michael Wilbon is taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN and ABC, the longtime commentator announced Monday, citing what he described as “multiple health issues.” The leave covers his work on “Pardon the Interruption” and his NBA duties. Wilbon said the break is not retirement, calling it “a trip to the injured list” and adding that he hopes it is “not an extended one.”

Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, did not give details of his condition. In a post on X, he wrote that he should have listened to medical professionals and people close to him who saw worrisome signs in recent years. He said the issues are health related and are not tied to alcohol or gambling. “I have no idea how exactly this part of my journey will wind up,” he wrote. “The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony,” referring to co-host Tony Kornheiser. His last appearance on “Pardon the Interruption” was Oct. 26, according to the Associated Press.

Fill-ins and support from ESPN

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Wilbon and his family have the network’s full support, according to the Sports Business Journal, which reported that guest co-hosts Pablo Torre and Frank Isola will fill in on “Pardon the Interruption.” The show’s production team will set a week-to-week schedule while Wilbon is away, and ESPN analysts will cover his NBA assignments in his absence.

Wilbon and Kornheiser became colleagues at The Washington Post in the 1980s, and their show recently marked its 25th anniversary on Oct. 22. “I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years,” Wilbon wrote. He previously suffered a heart attack in 2008, according to the Sports Business Journal.

Reporting based on coverage by the Associated Press and the Sports Business Journal.