Wilbon Steps Back From ESPN
The co-host of 'Pardon the Interruption' announced a temporary departure to address personal health concerns.
By Kaito Sokolov ·
Michael Wilbon is pausing his role as a commentator at ESPN to focus on his health.
The Northwestern University graduate announced the change on Monday, citing multiple health issues. He is currently 67 and will turn 68 later this month. Wilbon uses the sports term 'injured list' to describe his status, noting he hopes the period is short rather than extended.
Wilbon did not provide specific medical details. He said he ignored worrisome signs in recent years but clarified that his conditions are not related to alcohol or gambling. He described his current objective as recovering enough to return to his on-air chemistry with co-host Tony Kornheiser.
"The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony," Wilbon wrote on X.
His final broadcast on 'Pardon the Interruption' aired on Oct. 26. The program marks a quarter-century milestone this year and is credited with shaping the modern sports debate format. Wilbon and Kornheiser developed their partnership while working at The Washington Post in the 1980s.
Wilbon expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his colleagues during this time away. He said he has enjoyed working with Kornheiser every day for the past 25 years. The show will continue without him while he concentrates on his well-being.
