Ley, 64, said in a statement that he will be retiring at the end of this month, ESPN reported. The anchor had taken a six-month leave of absence in October.
"Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN on its first weekend in existence in 1979," Ley said in his statement. "Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other."
Ley stressed in his statement that the decision to retire was his, and that he is in good health.
In a tweet, Ley said, "there were too many people to thank individually."
Too many folks to thank individually, right now, but know that I have you all in my mind and my heart. Some news to share: pic.twitter.com/Qydhpcy4MV
— Bob Ley (@BobLeyESPN) June 26, 2019
Ley joined ESPN as a "SportsCenter"anchor on Sept. 9, 1979, on the network's third day of operation. In 1980, he hosted the first NCAA selection show, and also anchored the live broadcast of the NFL draft, ESPN reported.
A winner of 11 Sports Emmy Awards during his career at ESPN, Ley also won an Emmy for outstanding studio host in 2018. he was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame this year.
Ley was born in Newark, New Jersey, grew up in Bloomfield, and attended Seton Hall University, NJ.com reported.
Truly, truly, truly, one of the all-time greats. Model of fairness and professionalism. Enjoy the flip side, Bob. https://t.co/dPpyCh9Tzf
— Armen Keteyian (@ArmenKeteyian) June 26, 2019
One of the most respected colleagues I’ve ever known. Bob Ley did journalism proud. Enjoy your life, my friend. https://t.co/beoN5MFBMS
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) June 26, 2019
This makes me sad. Bob was always willing to highlight the work of local journalists and put schlubs like me on the air. https://t.co/skTUw9bATz
— Steve Politi (@StevePoliti) June 26, 2019
Best of luck Bob! I will always cherish the great memories of covering the Cleveland #Force with you in the 80s! You are the definition of class, professionalism and kindness, and the world would be a better place with more like you! https://t.co/Yp897Xj4GI
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) June 26, 2019
The acclaimed sports journalism professor Sandy Padwe -- who worked at the NYT, SI, Newsday and eventually as a consultant for Outside the Lines -- called Bob Ley the "conscience" of ESPN.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) June 26, 2019
ESPN is already a different place but it will truly be a different place without Ley.
We pay tribute to the great @BobLeyESPN on his retirement by remembering the time he channeled his inner Jay-Z: TRAINA THOUGHTS https://t.co/frVJDACsdg
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) June 26, 2019
About the Author