The name Ernie Johnson has become synonymous with Inside the NBA. For over 35 years, EJ has been the face of the TNT show. No wonder Shaquille O’Neal calls him The Godfather. But as the legendary show went live on air tonight, the viewers were met with a concerning visual. While the usuals, Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny were sitting at the panel, Ernie was nowhere to be seen.

In his absence, Adam Lefkoe, who is usually the host of the Tuesday show with Shaq, Vince Carter and Candace Parker, was seen guiding the proceedings. And that left many at home wondering – Has Ernie quit Inside the NBA? Don’t worry. The answer to that question – NO!

Turns out, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer missed tonight’s episode of the bi-weekly show because he is feeling under the weather. Lefkoe clarified it on air, while also wishing Ernie a speedy recovery, “We hope you’re feeling better Ernie.” Obviously, Charles being Charles, chimed in with a hilarious message for his longtime friend and colleague, “We love you too Ernie. Get those dishes done Ernie.” So, the 68-year-old is likely to be back the next time Inside the NBA is on air.

Moreover, he is here to stay. Even though TNT has licensed out the show to ESPN because of NBA’s new media rights deal, Ernie reportedly has a long-term contract with the network, the details of which are undisclosed. He is expected to continue hosting the show as it switches network starting next season. EJ even confirmed it in a recent interview, “When you tune into some of these nights on ABC or ESPN the pregame show is going to be us. We’re going to still be doing it in Atlanta, we’re just not going to be saying the NBA on TNT.” But what about his co-panellists?

Legendary Inside the NBA Panel likely to stay intact despite move from TNT to ESPN

What makes Inside the NBA so iconic is their perfect panel. Ernie being The Godfather, Shaq the hilarious one, Kenny the analyst, and Barkley of course, the unfiltered one. Take any one of them away and things might not click. So, its great to know that the entire panel is likely to stay intact as the show moves to ESPN.

Yes, Kenny has a multi-year deal with TNT. Meanwhile, Sir Charles reportedly inked a ten-year $210 million extension with the network three years ago. And he has made it clear that he is sticking with TNT despite getting multiple offers from other competitors, “I’m informing NBC that I will not accept their offer. I’m gonna cancel future meetings with Amazon… My heart is always and will be at Turner Sports. I’m hoping this thing comes together and I can stay with TNT and ESPN.” Finally, Shaq recently inked a long-term deal with TNT, that reportedly pays him over $15 million per year. Although its yet to be officially confirmed, the four legends are likely to continue being a part of Inside the NBA for the foreseeable future.

Moreover, Barkley even hinted it during his recent viral rant about ESPN’s excessive coverage of Lakers and Warriors, “Y’all are talking about who’s in second place. That’s the reason I get pissed… That’s cause you fools on other networks which we gonna become fools next year cause we’ll be working on that network.” So, even though frustrated, Chuck gave the fans a sense of comfort by hinting that the panel will be back next season on ESPN.