'Outside the Lines' host Bob Ley announces retirement from ESPN after 40-year run

Bob Ley, an iconic sports broadcaster who was the longest-tenured employee at ESPN, announced Wednesday that he is retiring from the company after nearly 40 years.

The "Outside the Lines" host had been on a sabbatical for the past 10 months. He announced on social media that he is leaving the company permanently next week.

"To be clear, this is entirely my decision," Ley wrote on Twitter. "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."

Ley, 64, joined ESPN two days after the network was founded in 1979. As the network has blossomed in the four decades since, he has filled a variety of roles — working as a host on "SportsCenter" and, most notably, leading the network's investigative efforts on "Outside the Lines." The show earned 11 Sports Emmy Awards during Ley's tenure.

"The standard of excellence that has become a hallmark of ESPN began in the early days when we were a start-up with a bold vision," ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Bob was there for all of it and, over the years, his unwavering commitment and unparalleled work ethic drove our journalistic ambitions. The best way we can thank Bob for what he's meant to ESPN and to sports fans is to continue to uphold the journalistic integrity and principles he's instilled in ESPN for nearly 40 years."

ESPN executive vice president Norby Williamson said in a statement that Jeremy Schaap and Ryan Smith "will handle the bulk of anchoring duties" on "Outside the Lines" moving forward.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.