Jay Mariotti is one of America’s prominent commentators, known for his award-winning journalism, challenging opinions, deep knowledge and passionate approach to sportscasting and sportswriting on all platforms. His most visible work includes eight years as a regular panelist on ``ATH,’’ ESPN’s TV debate show, and 17 years as Chicago’s dominant sports columnist at the long-since-faded Sun-Times. Later, he had a successful run as sports director and columnist at the San Francisco Examiner, where he won 2016 praise for column writing in judging for the California Newspaper Publishers Association contest.