ESPN host Michael Wilbon steps away for 'health issues'

Field Level Media|published: Mon 2nd November, 13:16 2026

ESPN's Michael Wilbon prior to the Phoenix Suns against the Milwaukee Bucks in game three of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum.

ESPN host Michael Wilbon announced Monday he is taking an indefinite leave of absence due to "struggles with multiple health issues in recent months."

Wilbon, 67, has co-hosted "Pardon the Interruption" with Tony Kornheiser on the network since 2001 and also serves as an NBA analyst for ESPN and ABC.

"This isn't retirement, but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one," he posted Monday on social media.

Wilbon, a longtime sportswriter and columnist for The Washington Post, did not specify the health issues he is facing but said his situation is not alcohol-related.

"Probably, I should have listened to medical professionals and people closest to me, yep Kornheiser included, who saw worrisome signs in recent years that suggested I take time away earlier. But I didn't," he wrote. "And as one close friend has said as my issues have become bigger, 'the bill has come due.'"

"I have no idea exactly how this part of my journey will wind up," Wilbon added. "The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony."

Wilbon suffered a heart attack in January 2008 and has also battled type-2 diabetes.

--Field Level Media

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