Michael Wilbon has been a co-host of ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption since the show debuted in 2001 and has been involved with the network’s NBA coverage since 2005. Over the years, he has remained a heralded and respected voice in basketball, following his long career as a journalist for The Washington Post. After 31 years with the publication, he stepped away in 2010.
In an exclusive interview with Outkick, Wilbon opened up about his disappointment with how the past week has been dominated by the public spat between Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith. He expressed frustration over the way the situation has overshadowed other NBA storylines.
“This whole LeBron and Stephen A. stuff, I just can’t,” said a disgusted Wilbon to Outkick. “Enough. Stop it. I’m too old for it. I am too old to consume it.”
Wilbon also noted his confusion over James’ shift in tone during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. He pointed out that, historically, James has been a media darling—always willing to answer questions and engage in conversation.
“He is thoroughly engaged when he talks to you or gives you time. I almost want to give him a pass because it’s just a week in his 20-year career,” said Wilbon. “Some athletes are a******s and haven’t earned the right to be a******s. But I still don’t understand this recent approach by LeBron. I don’t get it. It annoys me because some of these things are beneath him.”
What drew Wilbon’s ire the most, however, was James’ comments about fellow ESPN NBA analyst Brian Windhorst. During his interview with McAfee, James took a verbal jab at Windhorst, which Wilbon found unnecessary and uncharacteristic.
“I’ve been around LeBron when people have asked him about something that happened two decades ago in Ohio. And he would respond by saying, ‘I don’t even remember that. Ask Windy. Windy will know,’” Wilbon said. “That tells me he has a respect for Windhorst that is undeniable. I know he respects Windhorst. So, why say this now?”
As the co-host of Pardon The Interruption, Wilbon made it clear that he refuses to engage in whatever disagreement exists between James and Smith, stating bluntly that he doesn’t give a damn about “the b******t.”
“This isn’t about Stephen A. It’s the entire industry,” explained Wilbon. “That’s what I want to remind LeBron. Our business is just s**t some days. It just is.”
Beyond the media-driven feud, Wilbon also attributed part of the problem to social media, arguing that it has amplified the situation unnecessarily. He pointed out that modern athletes seem more concerned with social media criticism than previous generations.
“They pay much too much attention to it. They are on it too much. If you can’t handle it, get off it,” said Wilbon. “I realized I didn’t want to consume the bullshit. I’m too old for that. Everything is distorted. There’s too much glorification, there’s too much criticism, there’s too much everything. It’s an exercise in excess.”
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