“Folks, I got one thing to say. It’s kind of a sad commentary on our upbringing when I see Reggie Theus kind of be-bopping to the Welcome Back, Kotter theme. Jesus, I wouldn’t ever thunk it, Reg,” first-ever opening words of Ernie Johnson on his debut Inside the NBA show, setting the tone of what would evolve to be known as the show with the most freewheeling banter. ‘Inside the NBA’ on TNT aired for one last time this NBA All-Star week, and it’s time to count “blackberry” moments. You see, good television is good television, and we have a special someone to thank for it.

You see, Johnson’s ascension as a sportscaster wasn’t easy. For one, Turner Sports did not have the budget to do journalism like it was taught to Earnie in his school. “I’d be reporting on a triple ax murder in middle Georgia,” he chuckled, “and then we would go to commercial, and there I am wearing a flannel shirt walking down the aisles of W Supply.” Eventually, TNT took a detour to best fit his delivery and an uncanny sense of understated wit. Drop the formality and strip away from the manufactured feel that relies a lot on teleprompters. Johnson naturally protested, but the VP of Productions cut him cold turkey.

Every great victory has a cost; the show will pay that too by parting ways with TNT. This holds special significance for Ernie Johnson, who’s been the OG of the current 4-man panel of the show for three and half decades. That’s a journey Ernie cherishes more than most things in life. Now, with the NBA All-Star festivities on its final day, the moment presented itself to the veteran analyst to channel all those emotions inside him for one last time. And Ernie made sure, he didn’t miss out on anyone that has touched his life throughout the journey.

During the NBA Legends brunch on the All-Star weekend, Ernie kicked off the proceedings with an emotional message to his colleagues. “Tonight is personal for me. It’s TNT’s last all-star game in what is our last season,” he said with a heavy heart. “We’ve relished every second with this league and you’re the reason. You the players and you the fans who watch us night to night. For 40 years each game each show it’s been a sheer delight. Pointing fingers or placing blame they have no place in this rhyme. Bitterness or ill will come on don’t waste my time. Instead, consider gratitude.”

As he spoke about the threeand half-decade journey, his voice cracked. It reflected the deep emotions Ernie felt as he bid farewell to the beloved show to which he had given his heart and soul. To conclude his speech, he made sure to express his gratitude to the most important people who had been crucial to his journey. “We’re thankful and we’re blessed. Our TNT production crew our backbone just the best. And so for all my colleagues every teammate in our ranks we offer you a simple yet sincere and heartfelt thanks.” Ernie’s voice, pouring through every word of the speech, compelled everyone to stand and shower him with applause.

Ernie Johnson’s emotions made perfect sense, as it wasn’t just a breakup with TNT, but also a split from the longtime members, which made it even more difficult.

Top Comment by 74 mono

Shalini,where’s the ESPN could fail in your story?

Share your take

Debate

Ernie Johnson will bid farewell to his Inside The NBA colleagues

TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros, couldn’t secure the NBA media rights for the upcoming seasons, meaning you won’t be able to watch their show on the same channel. The new season will bring in new partners for the league. Amazon, NBC, and ESPN will be taking the rights for the next 11 years.

While Ernie Johnson is ready for the move to ESPN, Shaquille O’Neal will have to say goodbye to his longtime colleagues. The media outlet may not be able to keep the Inside The NBA crew together since TNT has signed Shaq to a lucrative $15 million per year deal for the long term, making it tough for him to leave.

Not only Shaq but Charles Barkley too has recently been vocal about his love for TNT. “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,” the former NBA star said.

Barkley has been a studio analyst for TNT since 2000, building a legacy as one of the most momentous voices in basketball media. In 2022, he signed a 10-year contract extension worth $210 million, with an option to leave if TNT lost its NBA rights. While he initially planned to retire after the 2024-25 season, he later decided to stay on for at least another year, purely out of his desire to keep the TNT Sports team intact.