Hey mom, he’s done with his segment — for good. Frown emoji.
ESPN senior writer John Clayton has confirmed on Twitter that he was among the company’s recent mass-layoffs, which impacted about 100 on-air personalities and reporters. The NFL expert had previously been silent on the social media website since April 25, 2017.
Clayton, who was with ESPN for 23 years, thanked his bosses and co-workers on the platform.
“I am well taken care of by ESPN,” he wrote. “I have daily show on 710 ESPN Seattle 10 to 12 pacific. I fill in on Sirius on ‘Moving the Chains.’”
Clayton then joked: “By the way I am keeping to ponytail,” a nod to an urban legend that the buttoned-up “Professor” kept secretly-long hair pinned behind him and away from the cameras.
ESPN lampooned the notion in an iconic “This Is SportsCenter” ad, which readers can watch above. Clayton’s tweets are below.
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.
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) May 31, 2017
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.
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) May 31, 2017
By the way I am keeping the ponytail
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) May 31, 2017