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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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On Wednesday, longtime NBA broadcaster and "Inside the NBA" host Ernie Johnson officially announced he will retire at the conclusion of this season.
Johnson released a video stating that he decided it was time to end his career after turning 70 this past summer. He reflected on being in his 37th year of a "get to" job that he's "still amazed" he "gets to" do after all these years.
"This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It's just time. It's been an honor to share so many nights, decades, actually, at the desk, with my brothers, Kenny [Smith], Charles [Barkley], and [Shaquille O'Neal], and with our production crews who are so talented and devoted," he said in part of his video message.
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In addition to citing that he just felt it was time, Johnson referenced dealing with "heart issues" for the past two years and "still trying to get this thing beat the way it should" and said, "we're getting there."
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He mentioned that going through the situation with his heart made him cherish time with his loved ones even more, so he just wanted to "slow down a bit." He indicated he wasn't completely retiring and would still do other projects for CBS and TNT, including March Madness broadcasts.
An episode of ESPN's "Inside the NBA" featured Johnson's co-host and friend, Charles Barkley, getting overwhelmed with emotions regarding the retirement news.
"That was, that was tough," a choked-up Barkley said, adding, "We knew the day was coming. It's still tough. Been here for 26, 27 years, and it's been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time, and Kenny and Shaq and the amazing people behind the scenes."
"It's been an amazing journey. You've been our leader, our unquestionable leader. ... The question I'm probably asked the most is, 'Is Ernie Johnson as good a person as he seems?' and I say, 'Man, he's better than that. So I just wanna say thank you, thank you for being our leader for all these years," Barkley told Johnson on the show.
Barkley also announced his intention to end his broadcasting career after this season, but the reality of his and Johnson's decisions is certainly having a strong impact. Johnson also received an outpouring of love and support from various individuals, including NBA stars and former colleagues.
The good news for fans is that they'll have an entire season ahead with ESPN's coverage of NBA games, including Wednesday's doubleheader featuring the Philadelphia 76ers taking on the Indiana Pacers, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Dallas Mavericks.
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