Longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris has announced he will be taking a month-long leave after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Harris, 60, shared the news publicly, revealing he is scheduled for surgery on June and expressing optimism about his recovery, as recent scans show no signs of the cancer spreading.
Harris, who has been with ESPN since 2003 and is a familiar face on late-night SportsCenter editions, said his decision to speak out is meant to encourage open conversations about prostate cancer, especially given its disproportionate impact on Black men He referenced his own family’s history with the disease and underscored the importance of sharing experiences to help others prepare for similar challenges.
Despite the diagnosis, Harris remains positive and plans to return to SportsCenter in about a month, depending on his recovery. He has received support from colleagues and intends to use his platform to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
Harris’s career at ESPN spans over two decades, during which he has anchored a variety of shows and earned several industry accolades.
