Michael Wilbon Takes Indefinite Leave From ESPN

Wilbon, co-host of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser, said he is stepping away from the show and his NBA work for ESPN and ABC. He described the break as a health-related leave, not a retirement, and said he hopes it will not last long. He has not given a return date.

On Kornheiser’s podcast on November 2, Wilbon said he had missed the previous week’s shows because he felt extremely exhausted and without energy. He said Kornheiser, medical professionals and others close to him had urged him to take time away after noticing worrying signs in recent years.

Wilbon also discussed having diabetes, saying that he had neglected issues and that the consequences had become more serious. In his social media message, he stressed that his current health problems were not related to alcohol or gambling.

He said he hopes to feel well enough to return to working alongside Kornheiser, with whom he has hosted the show for 25 years. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the network supports Wilbon and his family and will welcome him back when he is ready.

Pablo Torre and Frank Isola are scheduled to guest-host Pardon the Interruption this week. ESPN’s NBA analysts will take over Wilbon’s duties on those programs.