BRISTOL, Conn.(AP) -- Hall of Famer Bill Walton won't return as an
analyst for ESPN's NBA coverage.

Walton said in a statement Monday that "it is time to dedicate
the rest of my life to service." He missed most of last season
while recovering from back surgery. Walton calls his battle with
back problems a "life-changing ordeal."

Walton had worked for the network since the start of its NBA
coverage during the 2002-03 season.