"This isn't retirement, but it is a trip to the injured list," Wilbon wrote. He said the problems are unrelated to alcohol or gambling, joking that he is keeping his Kir Royale and calling sports betting "loathsome." He added that he should have listened sooner to medical professionals and the people closest to him, including co-host Tony Kornheiser, who saw worrisome signs in recent years and suggested he take time away earlier. Wilbon said he hopes to return to sparring with Kornheiser once he feels better.

Wilbon did not specify the conditions. He had a heart attack in 2008, described as minor, and has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Not long ago he said on air that he was taking blood thinners and undergoing tests, a disclosure that came up while the show discussed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and his treatment for blood clots. Wilbon has also increasingly hosted from his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the network is "here for Michael every step of the way" and will "look forward to welcoming him back whenever he's ready."

Wilbon and Kornheiser launched PTI in October 2001 and have co-hosted it for 25 years. It is the most-watched program in ESPN's daily studio lineup. Executive producer Erik Rydholm has credited its success to the hosts' bond, saying "people feel connected to them and their relationship." Wilbon has been at ESPN full-time since 2010 and works as a studio analyst on its NBA coverage. Both hosts signed contract extensions in 2025 that run through 2028.

PTI was scheduled to air at its usual 5:30 p.m. ET on Monday. ESPN has not named a long-term replacement. Frank Isola, Pablo Torre and Mina Kimes are among the people who could fill in, and Torre or Isola are expected to sit in this week. The announcement came less than a week after Ernie Johnson said he would host "Inside the NBA" on ESPN for one final season.