Michael Wilbon taking leave from ESPN, PTI for ‘multiple health issues’

Michael Wilbon taking leave from ESPN, PTI for 'multiple health problems'.

Key points

• USA TODAY's Madison Tenenbaum breaks down NFL Week 8: Lamar Jackson's injury, Cowboys' collapse, Vikings' loss and Joe Burrow's OT win.
• He worked for the Washington Post beginning in 1980 and became regarded as one of the country's premier sportswriters.
• Wilbon has increasingly hosted remotely from his Scottsdale, Arizona, home after the show was based in Washington D.C.
• "I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years, " Wilbon wrote.
• ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro remarked in an official note that Wilbon had the network's full backing and could take as much time off as he needs.

Michael Wilbon taking leave from ESPN, PTI for 'multiple health problems'. Chris Bumbaca USA TODAY. Lamar Jackson injury, Cowboys collapse headline NFL Week 8.

True to his billing as a legendary sportswriter, Michael Wilbon applied a sports reference to describe why he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN and his show "Pardon the Interruption, " which he has co-hosted for 25 years alongside his former Washington Post colleague Tony Kornheiser.

This isn't a retirement, Wilbon wrote in an official note posted on social media, but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one.

"Struggles with multiple health issues in recent months lead me to take an indefinite leave of absence from my 'PTI' and NBA duties at ESPN and ABC."

Wilbon remarked he should have listened to medical professionals and friends such as Kornheiser sooner as they "saw worrisome signs over recent years that suggested I take time away earlier. But I didn't."

Wilbon, 67, suffered a heart attack in 2008. He worked for the Washington Post beginning in 1980 and became regarded as one of the country's premier sportswriters. Wilbon has been with ESPN full-time since 2010 but began "PTI" with Kornheiser in October 2001. The duo lately celebrated their 25th anniversary as one of sports television's most iconic pairings.

Wilbon has increasingly hosted remotely from his Scottsdale, Arizona, home after the show was based in Washington D.C. For much of its duration. Along with his "PTI" duties, Wilbon is a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA coverage.

"I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years, " Wilbon wrote. "And I'm incredibly grateful for the backing and encouragement of my colleagues as I take this time away to concentrate on me, specifically 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."

During a discussion regarding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' treatment for blood clots last month, Wilbon disclosed he was on blood thinner medication and was additionally undergoing other tests.

"He's an important member of our ESPN team and widely respected by his peers, sports fans and so many others in our industry, " Pitaro's statement read. "We are here for Michael every step of the way and look forward to welcoming him back whenever he is ready." Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, michael Wilbon taking leave from ESPN, PTI for multiple health issues remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.