SportsCenter Commercial Star John Clayton Has Reportedly Left ESPN

By LRU Writer | On: June 01, 2017

SportsCenter Commercial Star John Clayton Has Reportedly Left ESPN ESPN has been laying people off, and one of the biggest names in the layoff is the iconic commercial star, John Clayton. After 23 long years of contributing to ESPN as a senior NFL writer, John is now leaving ESPN, and he took over his official Twitter to address this.

ESPN has been laying people off, and one of the biggest names in the layoff is the iconic commercial star, John Clayton.

After 23 long years of contributing to ESPN as a senior NFL writer, John is now leaving ESPN, and he took over his official Twitter to address this.

I guess you saw the news. After 23 years I won't be contributing to ESPN. Two words. Thank you. My bosses and co-workers are the best. — John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) May 31, 2017

Despite being named in the recent round of 100 or so layoffs at ESPN, he left held no grudges and said that his bosses and co-workers were the best.

Apart from saying that and thanking everyone, he refrained from providing any other statements to the media.

Caption: Gary Holt, John Clayton and Kerry King at a Slayer Show.

Photo Credit: deadspin.com

The layoff, however, only affects John's roles on TV and at ESPN.com, and as per reports, he will continue broadcasting his ESPN radio program that airs in Seattle because ESPN radio affiliates are independently owned.

He also addressed this on Twitter.

I am well taken care of by ESPN. I have daily show on 710 ESPN Seattle 10 to 12 pacific. I fill in on Sirius on moving the chains. — John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) May 31, 2017

He formerly worked as a beat reporter covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and then the Seattle Seahawks before jumping to ESPN. He was also inducted into the writer’s wing of the "Pro Football Hall of Fame" in the class of 2007.

John Clayton is also best known for starring in one of the most memorable TV commercials of all time, "This is SportsCenter" and that is when he made his ponytail famous.

By the way I am keeping the ponytail — John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) May 31, 2017

Caption: John Clayton stars in "This Is Sportscenter" commercial in 2012 (Published on Sep 9, 2012)

Furthermore, ESPN is not the only broadcasting media laying people off as The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has also laid off respected NFL writer Charean Williams and Dwain Price, the NBA writer. The two also took over social medias to address it.

I have been laid off from the FW Star-Telegram, my employer since 1999. Life sometimes throws you a curve. I just have to learn to hit it. — Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) May 16, 2017

After 26 years, I was laid off by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram today. Thanks to my great bosses and co-workers 4 the good times. God Bless. — Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) May 16, 2017

This could indicate some shift in the broadcasting world.