Charles Barkley tears up with 'Inside the NBA' co-hosts paying tribute to Ernie Johnson
Charles Barkley choked back tears as he thanked Ernie Johnson for his time on "Inside the NBA."
Ernie Johnson, a long-time analyst on the NBA program Inside the NBA, announced on October 28 that this will be his final season with the show. The 37-year veteran, who has described hosting Inside the NBA as a "get to" job, has been dealing with health issues and will retire at the end of the 2026-27 season. Johnson's departure was met with emotional tributes from his co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith during the program's opening monologue.
Barkley, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude to Johnson, calling him an "unquestionable leader" and a "better person than he seems." Smith and O'Neal also offered their appreciation, reflecting on the impact Johnson had on their careers and the show. The Inside the NBA crew expressed their gratitude to Johnson, with O'Neal jokingly noting that they had no idea the day would come when Johnson would be 70 years old.
The program will continue to air through the end of the regular season in April, but won't return for the 2027 season.
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