Sports columnist John Clay is retiring after 44 years writing for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com If someone had to do it, I’m glad it was me.

John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Central Kentucky, he covered UK football from 1987 until being named sports columnist in 2000.

John Clay was supposed to be in Las Vegas for Malik Monk’s historic 47-point effort against North Carolina but instead spent the day snowed in in Denver watching the Kentucky victory on TV.