Ernie Johnson, who has hosted Inside the NBA for 37 years, will step away from the show at the end of the current season, according to The Guardian, which reported that Johnson made the announcement on social media on Wednesday. Fox News also reported that Johnson is stepping away from the program after this season.
The Guardian reported that the 70-year-old Johnson wants to spend more time with family. The outlet described the decision as ending a 37-year run in the role.
In a separate Fox News report, the outlet said that after 37 seasons hosting the program, Johnson said he is stepping away from the show, saying that "it's just time."
The two reports agree on the central facts: the announcement, the timing at the end of the current season, and the length of Johnson's tenure. They differ in emphasis. The Guardian attributed the decision to a wish to spend more time with family, a reason the Fox News summary does not mention. Fox News instead quoted Johnson's own explanation that it was time to go.
Neither summary names a successor for the role, says what Johnson plans to do after the season, or gives a specific date for his final broadcast. Both sources are brief summaries, so this account is limited to the details they contain.
Sources: The Guardian: Ernie Johnson, beloved host of Inside the NBA, to step away from show at end of season; Fox News: Legendary host Ernie Johnson announces he is stepping away from 'Inside the NBA' after this season.