Ernie Johnson absent from Inside the NBA after heartbreaking family death as TNT stars pay tribute to host
Due to a death in his family, ERNIE Johnson was not present on Inside the NBA on Thursday.
Christine, Johnson’s sister, passed away on Wednesday.
Following his untimely demise, Adam Lefkoe took Johnson’s place as the NBA’s star.
From the NBA desk on TNT, he informed live TV viewers of the news.
“Tonight we’re going to pause for a moment to step away from basketball,” Lefkoe stated.
“We will offer our friend and mentor Ernie Johnson our sincerest condolences.
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“After a valiant fight with cancer, Ernie’s cherished sister Christine Johnson passed away yesterday. Her age was seventy-two.
“Ernie You and your amazing family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Following Lefkoe’s introductory remarks, Charles Barkley added his condolences.
“Ernie is the leader of our family and our family leader is going through pain,” he stated.
“So man we love you, we miss you, you stay at home and take care of your family.”
Next to deliver his speech was Shaquille O’Neal.
“I can certainly feel his suffering. We feel the hurt because we’re brothers,” he remarked.
“When I got the text it made me shed a tear.”
Johnson received a great deal of social media support from Inside the NBA fans, who sent their condolences and prayers to his family.
One fan said, “Sending prayers to @TurnerSportsEJ and his family.”
Another admirer remarked, “People know ernie is a real one,”
New rights deal
Three networks and the NBA inked an 11-year agreement for the league’s rights starting in 2025–2026.
Additionally, for the first time since the network’s 1988 debut, TNT will not be hosting any games.
ESPN and ABC will continue to broadcast the league’s 80 regular-season games, according to The Walt Disney Company.
The NBA Finals will continue to be held there, along with about 18 playoff games from the first and second rounds and a Conference Finals series for ten of the eleven years.
For the first time since 2002, NBC will broadcast the NBA again.
Up to 100 games will be broadcast on the network’s channels and Peacock streaming service each season.
In addition, it will host NBA All-Star games and include about 28 first- and second-round playoff games.
NBC will alternate with upstart broadcaster Amazon Prime to telecast one Conference Finals Series for six of the eleven years.
66 NBA regular-season games, including one on Black Friday, will be available on Amazon.
The complete Play-In Tournament and the final stages of the NBA Cup are also available on the streaming service.
Additionally, about one-third of the first- and second-round playoff games will be televised on Prime.
“I adore you, Ernie. “Christine, rest in peace,” a third admirer said.
One fourth fan wrote, “Prayers and condolences to Ernie and his family.”
“So sorry for your loss,” commented a fifth admirer.
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When Johnson might make a comeback to the Inside the NBA set is unknown.
He may be absent from the show for several days, and his co-hosts encouraged him to take as much time as he needs.
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