Ernie Johnson is not black. Clarifying it for those who have come here after the viral search result calling him black.
It was all fun inside the NBA on TNT commentary box during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 6.
Ernie, like the rest of the panel, was emotional as it marked the end of TNT’s run of broadcasting the NBA games. However, during a specific moment, all of the top announcers were cracking up at a viral Google search result.
“Yes, Ernie Johnson is Black. While there is some confusion or playful banter about it on social media, particularly with Charles Barkley’s teasing, Ernie Johnson is of African American descent,” the Google AI overview showed.
"It amazes me that the whitest dude we know, people think he's Black" 😂
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 31, 2025
Ernie even has the AI fooled 🤖 pic.twitter.com/FdEIzUUBkY
Though born and brought up in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ernie is not black. But the Google AI mistook him for a black person.
“It amazes me that the whitest dude we know, people think he’s Black,” Charles Barkley quipped.
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Rick Carlisle Thanks Ernie Johnson And TNT After Game 6
While it was a light moment on the panel, it was equally emotional for the broadcasting company’s long list of superstars.
They called one of their last few games before their contract is finally over with the NBA. During the night, the Pacers clinched a victory over the Knicks in the ECF.
After the game, Ernie Johnson from TNT took the stage for the trophy presentation and chatted with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
In a fun twist, after wishing Carlisle luck, Coach Carlisle playfully grabbed Johnson’s microphone to share a few heartfelt thoughts.
He talked about TNT’s long journey with the NBA, as this was their final broadcast.
“Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that’s coming to an end. We’re all very sad about that. But you’re a man of great class. Congrats,” Carlisle said.
"Congratulations to TNT on a fabulous, unbelievable run that's coming to an end. We're all very sad about that. But you're a man of great class. Congrats."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 1, 2025
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle pays tribute to Ernie Johnson and NBA on TNT. pic.twitter.com/a5QODkEfgx
For many fans, it was a bittersweet scene. While they celebrated the Pacers’ incredible achievement, they felt a little nostalgic about TNT’s departure after so many years of great coverage.
The good news is that the beloved Inside the NBA crew is set to return next season on ESPN. Still, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it won’t quite be the same without TNT’s unique vibe.
Also Read: “Who He Plays For”- Ernie Johnson Roast Charles Barkley After Epic Fail in a Hot Seat Game
