Michael Wilbon, the legendary co-host of the long-running ESPN sports show "Pardon the Interruption," announced his sudden departure Monday.
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) November 2, 2026
"This isn't retirement, but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one," he said in a statement. "Probably I should have listened to medical professionals and people closest to me, yep, Kornheiser included, who saw worrisome signs in recent years that suggested I take time away earlier. But I didn't."
Wilbon added his health issues do not stem from alcohol use or gambling, which he said were "winds of change I find loathsome," an apparent reference to the explosion of online sports betting in recent years.
A fast-paced show that featured a rundown clock and back-and-forth banter on various sports stories, "Pardon the Interruption" was first conceived by ESPN producer Erik Rydholm. Wilbon and Kornheiser, both former Washington Post columnists, were recruited as hosts because they had spent years arguing with each other in the newspaper's office.
"I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years. And I'm incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues as I take this time away to concentrate on me, specifically on my well-being. I have no idea exactly how this part of my journey will wind up. The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony," Wilbon said.
He will turn 68 later in November.
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