ESPN Lays Off Slayer Fan / Reporter John Clayton

If you were a fan of sports and/or metal in the way-back year of 2012, then you probably remember this gem of a commercial for ESPN’s flagship news show SportsCenter, in which reporter John Clayton’s true passion for metal was revealed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgP94Td6ASw

Welp, ESPN just got a little less metal: the TV giant has laid off Clayton in the latest round of cutbacks at the ailing sports network, USA Today reports. Clayton had worked at ESPN since 1995 as an NFL writer and on-camera pro football expert. He hadn’t Tweeted since April 25th, but posted the following earlier today:

I can honestly say that my relationship with ESPN was the second best in my life. My marriage to my wife Pat is obviously No. 1.— 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

At least it seems he won’t be left high and dry… his mom will still be around to take care of that precious Slayer record collection.

And don’t worry, he’s not shedding the metal image any time soon:

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

Thanks to MS contributor Phil Boozeman for the tip!

John Travis Clayton was not the only star reporter that ESPN had to lay off or let go because of the tremendous decrease in advertisement revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic-influenced slack year that was 2020 and half of 2021. The other stars being let go include Jim Moore and Tom Wassell. Although Clayton will still retain his position as the sideline reporter for the radio broadcast series on 710 ESPN Seattle, especially for the Seahawk seasons, Moore will have to say a painful goodbye as the co-host. Wassell got teary eyed while saying his goodbyes and his fans on Twitter shared his regret at not being around for much longer. Mike Salk, the director of Programming for Bonneville Seattle said that they had tried to hold off on laying people off for as long as possible till it was no longer a possibility. 

While we all shall miss Clayton, Moore and Wassell, it’s also sports betting season. So, check out the best sportsbook lists at Meta.reviews.