Michael Wilbon to take leave from ESPN citing ‘multiple health issues’

Michael Wilbon, co-host of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, announced on Monday that he is taking a leave of absence from ESPN because of “multiple health issues.” In a post on X he said he is heading to “the injured list” and added he hopes it is “not an extended one.”

Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, is also featured on ESPN’s NBA coverage and has co-hosted Pardon the Interruption with Tony Kornheiser for 25 years. The show recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and is credited in the article with revolutionizing television’s “sports debate” format. Wilbon and Kornheiser became colleagues at the Washington Post in the 1980s, a relationship the show grew out of.

Wilbon declined to give specific details about his condition in the post but wrote that people in his personal life had noticed “worrisome signs” in recent years that he largely ignored. He made a point of saying the issues are not alcohol or gambling-related. “I have no idea how exactly this part of my journey will wind up,” Wilbon posted.

His most recent appearance on Pardon the Interruption was on 26 October. The programme is described as being, in part, a byproduct of Wilbon and Kornheiser’s long-standing friendship and professional partnership. “I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years,” Wilbon wrote.

Wilbon expressed appreciation for colleagues as he prepares to step away from his duties, writing: “And I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues as I take this time away to concentrate on me, especially my well-being.”

“The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony.”