Thursday’s Contained in the NBA opened with somber information as Adam Lefkoe, standing in for Ernie Johnson, introduced the passing of Johnson’s sister Christine.
She was 72 and had been battling most cancers earlier than her demise on Wednesday.
The information visibly moved Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, who provided their heartfelt condolences to their longtime colleague.
The present has lengthy been acknowledged for addressing private issues with sensitivity, and this second was no totally different.
Because the information unfold, NBA followers joined the TNT crew in expressing their assist for Johnson throughout social media platforms.
Many acknowledged Johnson’s latest struggles, with one fan noting: “Ernie has handled plenty of loss prior to now few years. So unhappy for him.”
Ernie has handled plenty of loss prior to now few years. So unhappy for him. https://t.co/CY46cZ1CUq
— Paolo Banchero Sweat Over Water 🩰 (@RainLadybugTwo) December 20, 2024
The messages of assist continued flowing. “My deepest condolences and prayers to Ernie Johnson and his total household,” one fan wrote, whereas one other merely acknowledged, “Many prayers to Ernie’s household.”
My deepest condolences and prayers to Ernie Johnson and his total household🙏🏾🕊️ https://t.co/FjcDBxr2bI
— MNCBusinessLife (@mncbusinesslife) December 20, 2024
Many prayers to Ernie’s household. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/i3lUWUVB48
— 👑 Nitta (@KanittaJ) December 20, 2024
Recognizing Johnson’s impression on the present, one other fan shared: “Honest condolences to Ernie. He’s the GOAT and it’s at all times unhappy to see the GOAT in ache!”
Honest condolences to Ernie. He is the GOAT and it is at all times unhappy to see the GOAT in ache! https://t.co/msQ38Z4TjE
— AKB (@akb7479) December 20, 2024
The timing of the loss, notably near the vacation season, resonated with many.
One prolonged message learn: “Sending nothing however like to Ernie Johnson on the passing of his sister Christine Johnson after she misplaced her battle to most cancers. To undergo this proper earlier than Christmas and New Yr’s, woof! Praying for you and the household Ernie! Keep sturdy!”
Sending nothing however like to Ernie Johnson on the passing of his sister Christine Johnson after she misplaced her battle to most cancers. To undergo this proper earlier than Christmas and New Years, woof! Praying for you and the household Ernie! Keep sturdy! @TurnerSportsEJ
— Lee Sanders (@TheRCWRShow) December 20, 2024
“Ernie, you’ve been by way of a lot my condolences to you and your loved ones prayers man,” wrote one other supporter, whereas one other message merely acknowledged: “Sending out prayers to the Johnson household all of us love you Ernie.”
Ernie, you’ve been by way of a lot my condolences to you and your loved ones prayers man 🙏🙏
— Terry (@TerryChimaobi) December 20, 2024
Sending out prayers to the Johnson household all of us love you Ernie ❤️🕊️🙏🏾
— Crystal “Miss 🍑y” (@CrystalPeachyB) December 20, 2024
The collective response from followers and colleagues alike displays the deep respect and admiration Johnson has earned all through his broadcasting profession, with the NBA group standing firmly behind him throughout this time of loss.
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