Longtime ESPN personality Michael Wilbon is stepping away from television as he deals with multiple health issues that have left him struggling with severe exhaustion.
The veteran commentator, who has co-hosted Pardon the Interruption alongside Tony Kornheiser for 25 years, announced Monday that he would be taking a leave of absence to focus on his health.
Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, described his temporary departure as a trip to “the injured list,” although he remains hopeful it will be “not an extended one.”
“I didn’t do the show for a week because I was just exhausted,” Wilbon said speaking on The Tony Kornheiser Show podcast Monday. “Beyond exhausted, lifeless. And this has been going on for a while.”
He also confirmed that diabetes is contributing to his current struggles, although he made it clear there are other medical concerns involved.
He described the condition as “part of what I’m dealing with now, but not the entirety of it.”
Despite the concerning update, Wilbon stressed that he is not retiring from ESPN and intends to return once his health improves.
“I have to listen,” Wilbon told Kornheiser. “I’ve got things going on that are forcing me to listen.”
Wilbon last appeared on Pardon the Interruption on October 26, shortly after the popular ESPN program celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The show has become one of ESPN’s most recognisable programs, with Wilbon and Kornheiser’s long-running friendship forming the foundation of its success.
The pair originally worked together at The Washington Post during the 1980s before bringing their chemistry to television.
Wilbon, who also contributes to ESPN’s NBA coverage, expressed his appreciation for those supporting him during his absence.
“I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years,” Wilbon wrote in his announcement on X.
“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.”
For now, Wilbon has not provided a timeline for his return, with his immediate priority being his health.
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