ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon pauses 'Pardon the Interruption' duties due to health

ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon announced Monday that he is taking a leave of absence from the network's 'Pardon the Interruption' due to multiple health issues.

Wilbon, a Chicago native who turns 68 later this month, used the social platform X to describe his status as moving to the injured list. He expressed hope that the break would not be extended.

The journalist and co-host of 'Pardon the Interruption' declined to provide a full medical breakdown. During a Monday appearance on Tony Kornheiser's podcast, Wilbon identified diabetes as part of the situation, noting that it is not the entirety of his current challenges.

Wilbon stated that his symptoms had become too difficult to ignore, forcing him to pay attention to his body. His final appearance on the show occurred on Oct. 26. He told Kornheiser that he skipped the following week because he felt exhausted and lifeless, a state that had persisted for some time.

The program, which recently marked its 25th anniversary, is credited with shaping the modern sports debate format. Wilbon and Kornheiser have been colleagues since the 1980s at the Washington Post.

Wilbon emphasized that this pause is not a retirement. He stated that he plans to return to the show at some point. In his written announcement, he expressed gratitude to colleagues for their support as he focuses on his well-being.