Prayers Up! ESPN Veteran Michael Wilbon Announces Indefinite Leave Of Absence Amid Multiple Health Issues, Admits He ‘Should Have Listened To Medical Professionals

Michael Wilbon

Prayers Up! ESPN Veteran Michael Wilbon Announces Indefinite Leave Of Absence Amid Multiple Health Issues, Admits He ‘Should Have Listened To Medical Professionals

Longtime #ESPN personality Michael Wilbon is stepping away from the network indefinitely as he focuses on his health.

The 67-year-old “Pardon the Interruption” host announced the news Monday (Nov. 2), revealing he’s been dealing with multiple health issues in recent months. “This isn’t retirement, but it is a trip to the injured list. Hopefully not an extended one,” Wilbon said in his statement. He admitted that he ignored concerns from medical professionals and loved ones, including longtime co-host Tony Kornheiser, who had encouraged him to take a break sooner. “But I didn’t,” Wilbon said, adding that as one close friend put it, “the bill has come due.” He also clarified that his health struggles are unrelated to alcohol or gambling.

Wilbon, who has been with ESPN since 2001, said he plans to prioritize his well-being but has no clear timeline for returning. “The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony,” he shared. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed the network’s full support, saying Wilbon will be welcomed back whenever he’s ready. Fellow ESPN personalities #AdamSchefter and #ScottVanPelt also sent well wishes, with Van Pelt writing, “Get well, my friend. We’ll hold it down in the office until you’re ready.”