If you happen to be one of the few people who enjoyed listening to Magic Johnson talk about NBA games, you are not going to like this news. ESPN announced on Thursday that Magic will not be returning to the set of “NBA Countdown” next season due to his other commitments. Johnson also released a statement addressing his departure.
“I love ESPN,” Magic said. “Unfortunately, due to the nature of my schedule and other commitments, I don’t feel confident that I can continue to devote the time needed to thrive in my role. I will always feel a strong connection to the ESPN family and I enjoyed working with them very much.”
Earlier on Thursday, SI.com’s Richard Deitsch reported that Doris Burke is expected to join “NBA Countdown” as a studio analyst this season. Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins also recently signed a contract with ESPN.
Look, I love Magic as a player and respect everything about his legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers. Who doesn’t? The guy was just simply painful to listen to and made some of the most idiotic comments I have ever heard in my life. The program can only improve in his absence.
Meanwhile, Magic’s Los Angeles Dodgers have punched their tickets to the NLCS, where they will be taking on the St. Louis Cardinals with a trip to the World Series at stake. His dealings with the Dodgers almost certainly played a decision in his role to leave ESPN.
