Ernie Johnson Jr., a Georgia graduate and popular host of “Inside the NBA” on TNT, received some big career news on Thursday from one of his colleagues, Charles Barkley.

During a telecast of “The Match,” Barkley informed Johnson that he’s a 2023 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee.

“Get out of here. Chuckster, what are you talking about?,” Johnson said. “That is awesome, thank you so much. You know what, I’m taking the rest of the day off. Thank you guys, and whoever is responsible for that, whoever votes on that, I am humbled beyond words. Thank you so much, means the world to me. I’ve been at this for 34 years at the same place, and over 40 years in broadcasting and I’m stunned.”

Johnson began his broadcasting career on the radio in Athens, and later worked in Macon at 13WMAZ from 1979 to 1981 as an anchor. Johnson then moved to WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, S.C. and then to WSB-TV in Atlanta where he moved from news to sports. In 1989, Johnson joined Turner Sports, becoming the anchor of “Inside the NBA.”