Charles Barkley, the legend himself, nearly shed tears after Ernie Johnson officially announced his retirement from Inside the NBA. The iconic host, who’s been crushing it on the show for 37 years, dropped the bombshell Wednesday, October 28. But it was Barkley’s emotional tribute, delivered on the show hours later, that really hit home, even making Johnson, who had been holding it together, admit it meant the world.
“He’s Better Than That”
Talk about a gut punch, even when you know it’s coming. Barkley, who’s been with Johnson for 26, maybe 27 years, said it was “tough” to hear the official announcement. For Barkley, working with Johnson has been “an honor and a privilege,” an “amazing journey” alongside a guy he calls “our leader, unquestionable leader.” He wasn’t just talking about the guys on camera, either. Barkley made sure to thank all the “amazing people behind the scenes,” emphasizing that there’s “nothing like” hosting Inside the NBA.
You know how often fans ask about their favorite co-hosts? Barkley gets asked a ton about Johnson, specifically if “Ernie Johnson is as good of a person as he seems.” Barkley’s answer? “He’s better than that.” That quote, man, that tells you everything. He wrapped up his tribute to Johnson with the simple, powerful words, “All I can say, Ernie, is thank you.”
The Reason for Stepping Back
Johnson, at 70 years old, wasn’t just touched by Barkley’s words. He revealed that he’s been dealing with “heart issues” for almost two years. But here’s the kicker: his doctors aren’t telling him to stop working. No, the real reason he’s stepping away from Inside the NBA is to “slow down” and soak up more time with his family. He wants to treasure every second with his “amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann,” and just be “Poppy” to his five grandkids. He said going through those heart issues made him value family even more. This season is his last with Inside the NBA, but don’t worry, we’ll still catch him for March Madness and other projects on TNT and CBS.
Johnson put it perfectly, saying it’s “by no means the end, it’s just a turning of the page,” and he’ll “forever cherish every chapter we have written with Inside the NBA.” It’s hard to imagine the show without him. It’s a turning of the page for all of us, too, and it’s going to be wild to see how that next chapter unfolds without the man who led it for so long.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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