ESPN forced into major broadcasting change with NBA icon unable to call college basketball game due to ‘health issues’

COLLEGE basketball viewers were shocked to see broadcast changes in the Pac-12 conference championship game on Saturday after one of the network's notable stars was missing from the call.

Former NBA Hall of Famer and longtime voice for the Pac-12 conference, Bill Walton, reportedly missed the championship game over the weekend due to "health issues."

Walton attended UCLA in his college days before going off to have a decorated NBA career.

Since retiring, Walton has been a staple covering the Pac-12 or the "Conference of Champions," as he so often refers to the league.

However, according to a report from Awful Announcing, Walton was out due to feeling under the weather.

The reports furthermore stated that Walton's health issues have plagued him several times throughout the season.

"Walton was unable to call the game due to health issues."

"Those health issues have also been the cause of his absence from several scheduled appearances dating back to mid-February as well," per Awful Announcing.

Walton was forced to miss a game in late February for Arizona vs. Arizona State and was replaced on the call.

He is also confirmed to miss his 'Throw It Down with Bill Walton' NBA show on Monday on NBA League Pass as it is set to be rescheduled.

Walton's colleague Dave Pasch remained on the call for ESPN and did the game alongside replacement analyst Sean Farnham.

The USC Trojans defeated the No. 5 Arizona Wildcats in a huge 78-65, upset in what is likely the last conference championship as the league is set for dramatic changes.

USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington have decided to go to the Big Ten, and Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah have chosen to head to the Big 12.

The University of California and Stanford are expected to leave to the ACC in 2024.

Washington State and Oregon State are the only remaining programs in the conference.

It's a bittersweet ending for fans, as Walton has been a tremendous advocate and supporter of Pac-12 basketball and Saturday was the last time Pasch and Walton can call a game together this season.