Charles Barkley cries while honoring Ernie Johnson
Charles Barkley was a bit emotional on the latest episode of Inside The NBA.
On Wednesday, Ernie Johnson announced that he would be leaving Inside the NBA after 37 years on the show.
“I’ve been hosting ‘Inside the NBA’ for a long time. This is my 37th year, and I’ve long described it as a get-to job. Still amazed that I get to do this for a living. Now, as the years have gone by and I turned 70 this past summer, folks have asked me, ‘So, how long are you going to keep doing Inside?’ Well, I want to take a couple of minutes of your time to answer that. This will be my last season. Totally my decision. It’s just time,”
“So why now? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job, but I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now after 37 seasons, it’s time,”
Johnson reiterated that he wasn’t retiring from broadcasting but stepping back from Inside The NBA.
So, this is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page. And I’ll forever cherish every chapter we have written with inside the NBA,” Johnson said.
It’s time.
🤟🤟🏾🤟🏻🤟🏽 https://t.co/h1qNwsnkUY— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 28, 2026
After the announcement, Barkley teared up and honored his longtime castmate.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time, thank you.”
Charles Barkley gets emotional addressing Ernie Johnson:
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you all this time.”
Johnson announced today that he will be leaving Inside the NBA after this season. https://t.co/jpaBbNpVMy
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 28, 2026