How many sons does Ernie Johnson have and what happened to Michael Johnson?

Turner Sports found one of the gems in the broadcasting industry in the form of Ernie Johnson in 1990. The Inside The NBA host has been a mainstay on the popular show for four decades running. Johnson is a respected figure within league circles due to his contribution to TNT.

Earlier this week, the six-time Sports Emmy Award winner suffered the loss of his 94-year-old mother, Lois Marjorie Johnson. He was scheduled to be on-air for Thursday's Golden State Warriors-Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets-Phoenix Suns games but chose to take time off to stay with his family during this difficult time.

The NBA world prayed for Ernie Johnson and his family by offering their condolences. Johnson has been a family man through and through. He has been married to Cheryl since 1982. The couple have six children. Eric and Maggie Johnson are their biological children, while Allison, Ashley, Carmen, and the late Michael Johnson are adopted.

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Who is Michael Johnson, the late son of Inside The NBA host Ernie Johnson?

Michael Johnson is the son of Inside The NBA show host Ernie Johnson. Michael passed away on October 29, 2021. He was among the four adopted children of Ernie and Cheryl. He was born with a progressive form of muscular dystrophy that causes respiratory issues, requiring the use of a ventilator.

Ernie and Cheryl adopted Michael in 1991. They knew of his health issues, but felt he deserved another chance at life after being "neglected" and "forgotten" as a toddler.

“Nothing could have been further from the truth. In as understanding a tone as I could muster, I would explain we had adopted Michael not with an eye on what he would become, but for who he was – a neglected, forgotten child who deserved another chance," Ernie Johnson told Basketball Network.

Michael Johnson was 33 at the time of his passing. He displayed tremendous courage and perseverance to go through health issues of that magnitude. The NBA community showed their support to the Johnson family, paying tribute to Michael for touching so many souls back then.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Johnson family through these difficult times.