MICHAEL WILBON ANNOUNCES INDEFINITE LEAVE FROM ESPN OVER HEALTH ISSUES

Michael Wilbon, host of ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption", has announced he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the network because of multiple health issues. Wilbon, who has worked at ESPN since 2001, said in a statement issued on Monday that the step amounted to "a trip to the injured list" rather than retirement. "Hopefully not an extended one," he added. He said he had experienced health problems in recent months but gave no timeline for his return. Wilbon stated that the issues are not related to alcohol or gambling.

Wilbon said he had ignored warnings from medical professionals and from people close to him, including his longtime "Pardon the Interruption" co-host Tony Kornheiser, who had urged him to step back sooner. "But I didn't," Wilbon said, adding that one close friend had told him "the bill has come due." He said his goal was to "come out of it feeling much better" than he currently does. Wilbon described his hope of returning to "sparring with Tony" on the programme once he recovers. He gave no further detail on the nature of his health problems.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro responded to the announcement by expressing the network's support for Wilbon and said he would be welcomed back whenever he is ready to return. ESPN colleagues Adam Schefter and Scott Van Pelt also sent messages of support following the announcement. Van Pelt wrote, "Get well, my friend. We'll hold it down in the office until you're ready." "Pardon the Interruption" will continue without Wilbon during his absence, with no confirmed date set for when he might resume his role.