Ernie Johnson announces this will be his final season on ‘Inside The NBA’

(Gray News) - Ernie Johnson announced he will be stepping down as host of “Inside the NBA” at the end of the season.

The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer took to social media on Wednesday to explain his decision to step away, saying, “It’s just time.”

Johnson, 70, stated that he would not be retiring, but cutting back.

“This is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page,” Johnson said. “And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with ‘Inside the NBA.’”

Johnson said he plans to continue to work, including covering the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for CBS and Turner Sports.

The six-time Sports Emmy Award winner acknowledged that he has dealt with heart issues in recent years, but that isn’t the reason he’s stepping away from the show.

“I just want to slow down a bit,” he added in his social media post.

Johnson joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has hosted “Inside the NBA” since 1990. He thanked his TNT Sports and ESPN crews for their support over the years, as well as the viewers.

“I just want to say thanks to you. Thanks for your loyalty, for your love, for your support. And on this day, for your understanding,” Johnson said.