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Fans devastated as Inside The NBA legend announces he is set to leave popular show
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- Fans devastated as Inside The NBA legend announces he is set to leave popular show
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Fans have been left devastated after Ernie Johnson announced that this season will be his last as host of Inside The NBA , bringing an end to more than three decades at the helm of the popular basketball show.
The 70-year-old confirmed his decision in a social media video, explaining that he wants to slow down rather than retire completely.
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Johnson has hosted the programme since 1990 and helped make it one of the most recognisable studio shows in American sport alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.
Fans pay tribute to Ernie Johnson after Inside The NBA announcement
Johnson made it clear that stepping away from Inside The NBA does not mean he is leaving broadcasting altogether.
"This is by no means the end. It's just a turning of the page," he said. "And I'll forever cherish every chapter we have written with 'Inside the NBA.'"
The veteran broadcaster also confirmed that he plans to continue working, including covering the NCAA men's basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.
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Johnson acknowledged his recent heart issues but stressed that they were not the reason behind his decision. Instead, he explained that he wanted to spend more time with his family and take a step back from his demanding schedule.
His announcement quickly prompted an emotional response from fans, many of whom praised his contribution to the show and the way he had led its famous panel for years.
One fan wrote: "Thank you for the memories!"
Another called for a tribute to his career, posting: "We need the Ernie Johnson biopic."
Others shared their sadness at the news, with one supporter writing: "Gonna miss Ernie, man."
Another added: "We'll never see another like Ernie Johnson again."
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A further fan wrote: "Gonna miss you at the table, Ernie. Happy retirement."
One viewer summed up the feeling among many supporters: "Irreplaceable. Classiest man in the business. Nobody has ever done it better."
Barkley also paid an emotional tribute to his colleague, calling Johnson the group's unquestionable leader and admitting that his departure would be difficult despite knowing it was coming.
With Barkley having also indicated that this could be his final season on the show, fans could be approaching the end of an era for Inside The NBA as they know it.
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