Long time sportscaster and studio host of Inside the NBA Ernie Johnson announced in a Twitter video on Monday that he was diagnosed with blood clots in both of his legs.
A message from @TurnerSportsEJ on his absence from the upcoming MLB Postseason pic.twitter.com/fIZ6NFLXdi
— Warner Bros. Discovery Sports U.S. PR (@WBDSportsPR) October 1, 2018
Johnson, or E.J. in short, said that the doctors discovered the clots in his recent physical check-up. He was advised against flying and was told to stay put on the ground. He also said that he has been put on blood thinners.
E.J. announced that he will unfortunately skip play-by-play duties for this year’s Major League Baseball playoffs. This is a big blow for Turner Sports as E.J. has been calling the MLB post-season since 2010.
“During this time, when you’re doing the playoffs, there are a lot of flights at a compressed time. And blood clots are nothing to be messed with. So as tough as it is for me to miss baseball’s post-season, it’s the thing to do.”
While baseball will badly miss E.J.’s voice this October, he did inform fans that he will not be skipping a beat with his Inside the NBA gig, something that he has been doing since 1990.
As sad as this is, this is still great news for NBA fans, as E.J. has been a staple on the 9-time Emmy Award Winning show for over 28 years. Co-hosting the show with Ernie are Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, and two time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, all of whom he has developed amazing chemistry with.
Despite the unfortunate news, E.J. seemed to be in good spirits, and assured fans on Twitter that he is okay.
Can't possibly reply to every tweet but thanks a ton for all the well wishes and prayers. I actually feel fine…just have to deal with this blood clot situation and be smart about it. No baseball travel..but I'll be in the NBA studio Tue nite. Thanks again y'all🤟
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) October 2, 2018
Get well soon, Ernie Johnson!
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