Long-time ESPN star and SportsCenter favorite leaving after 23 years leaving TV viewers shocked

ESPN anchor Neil Everett has announced he is leaving the network after two decades with the company.

The 61-year-old long-time ESPN anchor departs from the company after 23 years, and fans are in disbelief.

ESPNNeil Everett started as an anchor at ESPN in the summer of 2000[/caption]

GettyStan Verret and Neil Everett hosted Sportscenter together since 2009[/caption]

Front Office Sports verified the report in a statement. 

“Bartender…last call,” Everett said in the announcement.

His statement also highlighted his appreciation for his time with the company.

“ESPN changed my life, but now it’s time for me to change my life. Time to write a new chapter.” 

Everett has been one of ESPN’s most popular anchors for 23 years and is known for his witty puns during highlights. 

Everett started working alongside Stan Verrett on the late edition of SportsCenter in ESPN’s Los Angeles studio in 2009.

The two were an instant hit and became one of the longest-running and most effective SportsCenter duos ever.

Verrett shared a message on Twitter about his respect for Everett.

“I started at ESPN in 2000, a few months after Neil Everett. We joined up for SportsCenter from LA in 2009. “

“For 14 years, he was the best teammate I could imagine. Selfless, caring, generous, and a pro’s pro.”

“He’s moving on now, but we are brothers for life. That’ll never change.”

Fans could not believe the news and went to social media to vent.

One said: “Neil was one my favorites since I was a child. He got a style and flare that ain’t matched.” 

Another expressed: “Bummer for sure. Loved watching Neil, and he is so good. Going to miss him.”

And a third stated: “‘Bartender: Jack’ One of the best HR calls of all time…Neil is on my Mt Rushmore of SC Anchors! #Legend”

Everett started as an anchor at ESPN in the summer of 2000.

Before, he spent 15 years as an anchor and sports director in Honolulu, Hawaii.