Ernie Johnson Jr. to Leave 'Inside the NBA' After 37 Seasons

Ernie Johnson Jr. will retire from hosting "Inside the NBA" after 37 seasons, ending his run with the show at the close of the current season next spring.

Johnson, who turned 70 this past summer, announced the decision Wednesday on Instagram. "Totally my decision," he said. "It's just time." He had previously described the role as a "get to" job and said he was still amazed he gets to do it for a living.

On ESPN on Thursday evening, Johnson gave more detail about his reasoning. He said his body had started telling him it was time to slow down, and that he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Patti. He also referenced health issues over the past two years, including a heart bypass. He has five grandchildren and said he is enjoying being down and being a grandfather.

Johnson has been part of the show for as long as it has been on the air. He began hosting "Inside the NBA" in 1990 while also serving as a news producer and executive in the mid-1990s. Before that, he joined WSB-TV as a news anchor after graduating from Turner Broadcasting and worked as a reporter.

His father, Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr., pitched in on the show. Johnson Jr. has not announced plans to leave production or broadcasting entirely, and he said he is not cutting out feel-good stories from company coverage.

Charles Barkley, who joined the show after his NBA career ended, addressed Johnson's decision on the air Wednesday. "I'm happy for him. I just don't want him to do that," Barkley said, adding that Johnson has been a good leader for the program. Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and other analysts have been part of the show over the years.

Johnson said he does not intend to respond to requests for comment. TNT's parent company declined to comment on his departure.

The show has aired from Atlanta. Johnson said he has always tried to be good at his job and to interview people he feels he can learn from.