Magic Johnson announced Thursday that he will be leaving his position as an NBA analyst with ESPN. “I don’t feel confident that I can continue to devote the time needed to thrive in my role,” Johnson said in a news release. Johnson said that his busy schedule was the main reason for his departure. He is part of the group that owns the LA Dodgers and also runs a successful business.
There were speculations that Johnson was leaving because he felt that Bill Simmons was gaining too much influence over the show, and that Michael Wilbon was not getting a large enough role in NBA coverage. However, Lon Rosen, Johnson’s agent, denied the claims. “Magic and Bill Simmons got to be very close and continue to be close,” Rosen told USA Today. “Bill Simmons and Earvin Johnson are friends. Earvin’s close to Bill. We called Bill before the release went out. Bill has been to parties at Earvin’s house. He’s been to Dodgers game with Bill. He likes Bill a lot.”
John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president of production commented: “We appreciate Magic’s contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors. We are in the process of determining our NBA commentator roles for the upcoming season.” Doris Burke will join NBA Countdown on Wednesdays, but it is believed that she will take more of hosting role, rather than analysis like Simmons and Johnson.
