Magic Johnson Leaving ESPN
Magic Johnson is leaving ESPN.
The NBA legend said that he was leaving due to schedule commitments.
John Wildhack, ESPN’s executive vice president, production, said in a statement:
“We appreciate Magic’s contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors… We are in the process of determining our NBA commentator roles for the upcoming season.”
ESPN notes that Johnson’s announcement comes a few days after the network hired 76ers coach Doug Collins as an analyst. Collins and Johnson were expected to work side by side on NBA Countdown.
“I love ESPN. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my schedule and other commitments, I don’t feel confident that I can continue to devote the time needed to thrive in my role… I will always feel a strong connection to the ESPN family and I enjoyed working with them very much.”
Johnson did not specify what “schedule conflicts” were forcing him to leave ESPN. Wildhack said that ESPN has not talked about a replacement for Johnson yet.
Johnson, a five time NBA champion and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, has been with ESPN since 2008.
Magic recently became a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Needless to say, he’s been more focused on baseball than basketball recently.
Dodger Nation: Today is a good off day for our players. Tomorrow it’s back to work.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 8, 2013
