Ex-NFL Star Indirectly Blames Stephen A. Smith For Ryan Clark’s ESPN Firing

Emmanuel Acho calls Stephen A. Smith out for not supporting Ryan Clark amid ESPN firing.

Ex-NFL Star Indirectly Blames Stephen A. Smith For Ryan Clark’s ESPN Firing

Stephen A. Smith, Ryan Clark and Emmanuel Acho inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Emmanuel Acho called out Stephen A. Smith for not standing up for Ryan Clark when ESPN fired him. Acho argued that Smith possesses enough influence that he could have stopped ESPN from firing Clark.

Earlier in the week, ESPN fired Ryan Clark as part of parent company Disney’s latest cost-cutting drive. It has divided the internet. Smith, a veteran colleague of Clark, said he was shocked to see the former NFL DB leave. Acho, on the other hand, asked why Smith did not stand up for Clark.

Ryan [Clark] has no issue with Stephen A. [Smith], so I, by proxy, have no issue with Stephen A. Smith. But Stephen A. Smith could have stopped this. And that’s what’s weird to me about seeing this apology is, Stephen A., you both have enough power to go to the executives and say, ‘I don’t want him to get fired.’ And B, you’ve enough power and fiscal responsibility and freedom to say, ‘I’ll do whatever is in my power to make sure they don’t stop this.’

Emmanuel Acho said on Speakeasy
RELATED
Video of Pat McAfee Taunting Ryan Clark Resurfaces Amidst Rumors of $60 Million Salary

What did Stephen A. Smith say about ESPN firing Ryan Clark?

On Monday, Clark was present at the ESPN studios when the company told him that he was being laid off. The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that the incident took place when Clark was filming an episode of NFL Live. He left the building without finishing the final few minutes of the segment.

Ex-NFL Star Indirectly Blames Stephen A. Smith For Ryan Clark's ESPN Firing
Stephen A. Smith (Image via IMAGO)

Stephen A. reacted to the news on his show. Stephen A. revealed that he told his bosses that he wasn’t happy with the decision.

I am not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I’m not happy about this decision. I’ve made that very, very clear.

Smith said about ESPN’s decision for Clark on his Straight Shooter With Stephen A. Podcast

According to multiple outlets like Forbes and Yahoo Sports, ESPN has fired several staff members, including Karl Ravech, Cam Newton, Charles Davis, Bart Scott, Tom Pelissero, Stephania Bell, and David Lloyd.

Ryan Clark and Peter Schrager’s on-air feud may have played a part in ESPN firing Clark

In his report, Marchand indicated that the relationship between Clark and ESPN executives had “soured” after an on-air exchange between him and Peter Schrager, during a September 5 segment of ESPN’s “Get Up” show.

During the segment, Clark and Schrager were discussing the performances of star receivers AJ Brown and CeeDee Lamb after the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 24-20. Lamb had 100+ yards in the defeat. Schrager argued that Lamb should feel better about his performance irrespective of the loss. Clark quickly jumped in with his take.

We shouldn’t do this on TV, so I apologize if people think this is rude: That’s the non-player in you.

Clark said, insinuating that Schrager couldn’t understand how Lamb was feeling because he never professionally played the sport

Schrager asked Clark to avoid “belittling” him, but Clark stood his ground.

What I need for you to do, what I need for you to do, is not get mad and let me finish for once. It wasn’t about you.

Clark said

Clark later clarified his remark on X with a lengthy post that has more than 6.5 million views.

Today, I had an interaction with my colleague Peter Schrager… both on and off the air that I regret. I have apologized to Peter and taken accountability with ESPN leadership. I value working with Peter and look forward to this season. My focus will remain on professionalism, teamwork, and being a better teammate moving forward.

Clark tweeted

Clark joined ESPN in 2015. He slowly climbed the ladder until he became a regular on Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and various other shows on the network. Outside of mainstream media, Clark built the Pivot Podcast from the ground up, alongside former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.

Also Read: