Michael Wilbon Steps Away From Espn’s ‘PTI’ Over Health Issues

WHO:

ComingSoon - Michael Wilbon is a co-host of ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” (“PTI”) and has NBA broadcasting duties with ESPN and ABC.

Newsweek - Wilbon co-hosts “PTI” with Tony Kornheiser.

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon, 67, is a longtime ESPN personality; he and Kornheiser have co-hosted “PTI” throughout its run.

Yahoo Sports - ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the network fully supports Wilbon and looks forward to “welcoming [Wilbon] back whenever he is ready.”

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon built his reputation as a newspaper reporter with The Washington Post.

IJR - Wilbon is 67.

WHAT:

ComingSoon - Wilbon announced an indefinite leave from “PTI” and his NBA broadcasting duties at ESPN and ABC.

Fox News - Wilbon said he was stepping away from “PTI” and NBA duties at ESPN because of multiple health issues, adding that he “should have listened sooner.”

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon said, “This isn't retirement, but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one.”

Yahoo Sports - He said he had no precise idea how his recovery would unfold; his goal was to feel much better and return to “sparring with Tony.”

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon said his struggles were health-related, “not to alcohol” or gambling. He added that he was not “swearing off the now-and-then Kier Royale” and called gambling’s “winds of change” loathsome.

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon said he loved hosting and sparring on “PTI” with Kornheiser and was grateful for colleagues’ support.

Yahoo Sports - The show marked its 25th year on air, and former “Statboy” Tony Reali appeared on its anniversary show.

IJR - Wilbon described the leave as “a trip to the injured list.”

WHERE:

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon’s work includes “PTI” on ESPN and NBA broadcasts on ABC.

WHY:

ComingSoon - Wilbon cited “multiple health issues” over recent months as the reason for taking leave.

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon said medical professionals and people close to him, including Kornheiser, had noticed worrying signs in recent years and that he should have taken time away earlier.

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon said a close friend described the situation by saying, “the bill has come due.”

HOW:

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon announced his leave in a statement and said he was taking time away to concentrate on his well-being.

Yahoo Sports - Wilbon began co-hosting “Pardon the Interruption” with Kornheiser in 2001.

(UPDATED November 2, 2026 22:05 UTC)

Michael Wilbon is stepping away indefinitely from ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” and NBA broadcasts. The longtime host cited multiple health issues, saying he should have listened to warnings sooner. Wilbon called the leave a temporary setback and hopes to return when ready.