Michael Wilbon is taking an indefinite leave from ESPN because of several health problems, the longtime sports commentator said Monday.
Wilbon said the break was not retirement, but a stint on the injured list. He plans to step away from “PTI” and his NBA work for ESPN and ABC while he addresses health issues that have worsened in recent months. He hopes the absence will not be long.
He added that he probably should have listened sooner to doctors and people close to him, including his “PTI” co-host Tony Kornheiser, who had noticed concerning signs over the past few years. Wilbon did not say what conditions he is dealing with. He has previously discussed living with diabetes and related complications.
Wilbon co-hosted “PTI” from his Arizona home last Monday, then missed the rest of the week.
Sports media colleagues shared messages of support. Scott Van Pelt said he had grown up reading Wilbon’s work in The Washington Post and never expected they would become colleagues and friends. Van Pelt added that Wilbon might dismiss the idea that he is widely admired, but said the respect is real and hoped the support would help lift his spirits.
Clay Travis called Wilbon one of the greats in both writing and television, while Josh Pate said he always learns from Wilbon and hoped he would be around for years to come.
John Buccigross praised Wilbon’s warmth and charm, and urged him to rest. Dan Wetzel wished him good health, calling his talent, intelligence and work ethic exceptional across both sports writing and broadcasting.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the network and Wilbon’s family support his decision to focus on his health. He described Wilbon as an important part of ESPN and a widely respected figure, adding that the network would welcome him back whenever he feels ready.
Wilbon has spent decades as a leading voice in sports journalism. For now, the priority is his health, and colleagues and viewers alike will be hoping his time away is shorter than expected.
