Michael Wilbon taking leave from ESPN, PTI for 'multiple health issues' - USA Today

True to his billing as a legendary sportswriter, Michael Wilbon used a sports reference to describe why he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN and his show “Pardon the Interruption,” which he has co-hosted for 25 years alongside his former Washington Post colleague Tony Kornheiser.

“This isn’t a retirement,” Wilbon wrote in a statement posted on social media, “but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one.

“Struggles with multiple health issues in recent months lead me to take an indefinite leave of absence from my ‘PTI’ and NBA duties at ESPN and ABC.”

Wilbon said he should have listened to medical professionals and friends such as Kornheiser sooner because they “saw worrisome signs in recent years that suggested I take time away earlier. But I didn’t.”

Wilbon, 67, suffered a heart attack in 2008. He worked for the Washington Post beginning in 1980 and became regarded as one of the country’s premier sportswriters. Wilbon has been with ESPN full-time since 2010 but started “PTI” with Kornheiser in October 2001. The duo recently celebrated their 25th anniversary as one of sports television’s most iconic pairings.

Wilbon has increasingly hosted remotely from his Scottsdale, Arizona, home after the show was based in Washington D.C. for much of its duration. In addition to his “PTI” duties, Wilbon is a studio analyst for ESPN’s NBA coverage.

“I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years,” Wilbon wrote. “And I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues as I take this time away to concentrate on me, specifically my well-being. I have no idea exactly how this part of my journey will wind up. The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony.”

During a discussion about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' treatment for blood clots last month, Wilbon revealed he was on blood thinner medication and was also undergoing other tests.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement that Wilbon had the network's full support and could take as much time off as he needs.

"He's an important member of our ESPN team and widely respected by his peers, sports fans and so many others in our industry," Pitaro's statement read. "We are here for Michael every step of the way and look forward to welcoming him back whenever he is ready."

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