"Multiple health issues" cause ESPN's Michael Wilbon to take leave of absence

Michael Wilbon is taking a break, reports ESPN.

The longtime ESPN commentator and co-host of the network's popular "Pardon the Interruption" talk show alongside good friend Tony Kornheiser announced Monday that he is taking a leave of absence because of what he described as "multiple health issues," continues the ESPN post.

Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, wrote in a post on X that he is taking a trip to "the injured list" but added that he hopes it is "not an extended one."

While Wilbon, who is also featured on ESPN's NBA coverage, declined to go into detail about what he is facing, states ESPN, "he added that there are people in his personal life who noticed "worrisome signs" in recent years that he largely ignored. Wilbon did make a point to note the issues are not alcohol- or gambling-related."

"I have no idea how exactly this part of my journey will wind up," Wilbon posted. "The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony."

Wilbon was a full-time Washington Post columnist, starting in 1990, states Wikipedia. His Post column, which dealt as much with the culture of sports as the action on the court or field, appeared up to four times a week until he left to work full-time for ESPN in December 2010.