Bob Ley, who joined ESPN the week it launched in 1979 and worked there for the ensuing 40 years, announced his retirement from the network on Wednesday, effective at the end of the month. Ley, 64, who had been on a leave of absence since October, is ESPN's longest-serving anchor, and long has been a respected journalistic voice at the network.
"To be clear, this is entirely my decision," he wrote in a Twitter post. "I enjoy the best of health, and the many blessings of friends and family, and it is in that context that I'm making this change."
He also wrote that he has "enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable" when he joined the network, adding, "Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other."
