‘Emotional’ Ryan Clark Tears Up After Getting Fired By ESPN, Admits He Faces Subtle Episodes of Racism

Earlier this week, Ryan Clark was unceremoniously fired by ESPN.

‘Emotional’ Ryan Clark Tears Up After Getting Fired By ESPN, Admits He Faces Subtle Episodes of Racism

Ryan Clark (Image via Yahoo Sports)

Ryan Clark targeted ESPN in the very first episode of The Pivot podcast after ESPN fired him. Clark claimed that despite his best efforts to fit in, he could not become part of the inner circle.

Clark has never shied away from making himself heard, whether it’s on X/Twitter or on his podcast, which he co-hosts with retired NFL players Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor.

For three years we never shied away from any topic [on The Pivot]. We never shied away from tackling anything. We did this year because I knew I couldn’t have no beef [while at ESPN]. I knew I couldn’t respond to disrespect. I knew for lack of a better word, I couldn’t be too Black. What makes me sad is, in even trying to adjust to be more of what certain people wanted, they still fired me.

Ryan Clark said

Clark joined ESPN in 2015 and worked his way up the ladder. The Network made him a regular on shows like Get Up, First Take, and NFL Live. However, on Monday, July 20, ESPN fired him as part of its latest cost-cutting drive.

Let me put this to bed: I wasn’t laid off. I was FIRED. [ESPN] is using ‘laid off’ as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing. But there was no cause for it.

Clark added

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the NFL fired Clark while he was busy filming Monday’s episode of NFL Live. Marchand added that ESPN usually puts out the layoff notifications on Tuesday. However, to avoid any leaks, the network took the drastic decision to fire Clark mid-show. Apparently, Outkick gave ESPN PR a one-hour deadline until they would have published the news themselves. ESPN got spooked and took measures into their own hands.

Clark revealed that it will be hard for him to tune into ESPN with tears rolling down his cheeks.

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Dallas Cowboys insider blasts Ryan Clark

While the official reason behind Clark’s layoff has been shown as a cost-cutting measure, some folks point fingers at an on-air spat between Clark and ESPN’s Peter Scharger.

'Emotional' Ryan Clark Tears Up After Getting Fired By ESPN, Admits He Faces Subtle Episodes of Racism
Ryan Clark (Image via ESPN)

Last September, CeeDee Lamb had 100+ yards and a touchdown in the Dallas Cowboys’ narrow defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Schrager sympathized with Lamb by highlighting that the Pro Bowl wide receiver should be proud of his performance. Clark quickly interjected by noting that Schrager couldn’t relate to Lamb because he never played the game. Even though Clark later apologized for his remarks, folks in higher ranks weren’t too pleased.

Many believe Clark’s retorts may have damaged his relationship with ESPN, leading to his dismissal. Clark’s latest theatrics have also divided the internet. Prominent Dallas Cowboys insider and reporter social media handle Law Nation Sports blasted Clark for attempting to pin the blame on others.

I’m so sick and tired of people blaming “the white man did this” or “the white man did that,” or saying the 3-letter network did this or the 4-letter network did that. Ryan Clark, man up. That’s life. All them damn tears and crying is crazy to me.

Law Nation Sports tweeted

LWS continued by highlighting that The Pivot has a turnover between $3 and $9 million.

You’re talking about seeking acceptance and validation? Crying about this and that? Fam… man up. You have your own podcast. You have your own platform. You can say whatever you want, and your audience will follow you. Stop acting like ESPN is the only place your voice matters.

LWS wrote

Polarizing former ESPN employee took a swipe at Ryan Clark

Jason Whitlock, who has worked for several top sports networks, including ESPN and FOX Sports, has always been a staunch critic of Clark. Whitlock watched the latest episode of The Pivot and instantly took a sharp dig at the former Pittsburgh Steelers DB.

Ryan Clark believes he’s the “best football analyst in the world.” He’s trapped inside a small echo chamber that feels like an enormous one. The echo chamber allows him to dismiss all criticism as racism or jealousy. Wow. No self-awareness. Sad.

Whitlock tweeted

Clark went undrafted and was picked up by the New York Giants. He had stints with the Commanders and the Steelers before finishing his career in DC. Clark won a Super Bowl with the Steelers.

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