Sage Steele Backs Super Bowl Champion’s Harsh Ryan Clark Criticism

Former ESPN employee Sage Steele calls out Ryan Clark for accusing ESPN of wrongfully firing him.

Sage Steele Backs Super Bowl Champion’s Harsh Ryan Clark Criticism

Ryan Clark (Image via Yahoo Sports)

Ryan Clark’s emotional monologue in the aftermath of his dismissal from ESPN has divided the internet. While the African American community has backed the former NFL DB and branded ESPN a “racist” organization, some have chosen to view Clark’s tears as an act to gain sympathy.

Among them is two-time Super Bowl champion running back LeSean McCoy. The former Bills, Eagles, and Chiefs rusher refused to pay any heed to Clark’s tears on the Pivot podcast.

A lot of dudes do stuff for attention. It’s a lot of them that do this, and I truly think that he’s one of them. So, my thing is, I just don’t know how real this is. He might have real feelings. I don’t know, but I’ve watched him over the years. He’s such a social media dude.

LeSean McCoy said on a recent episode of Speakeasy

McCoy’s argument is very different from that of his Speakeasy colleague and former Eagles LB Emmanuel Acho. Acho sympathized with Clark, arguing that it takes courage to show vulnerability in front of the camera.

However, McCoy didn’t show any mercy to Clark. McCoy argued that getting fired is part of being a broadcaster. He should know because not too long ago, FOX Sports fired both McCoy and Acho, along with a few others, for failing to increase viewership for their show.

This is part of it…I don’t feel bad. None of that. Like we all been fired… My thing with Ryan is I just don’t know if it’s real or not because I’ve seen him all in action. That’s what he does. That’s what they do.

McCoy said

Former Los Angeles Chargers nose tackle Brieden Fehoko added his spin to McCoy’s theory. Fehoko thanked McCoy for calling Clark out.

I go to therapy with grown men and watch them go through struggles and real problems. If there’s a camera in sight and live recording going on, you’ll get an Emmy-nominated performance from RC. That’s how he moves, and the world is starting to see it. This is exactly how he moved when he wanted Coach O fired from LSU 6 years ago. He doesn’t care. He cares about who is watching and how he can maximize from it. Shout out to LeSean McCoy for calling this BS out.

Fehoko tweeted

McCoy also received support from former SportsCenter anchor Sage Steele. Steele claimed that McCoy is telling the truth about Clark.

Steele’s involvement in this scenario is intriguing. Back in 2021, ESPN suspended Steele with pay for remarks she made on Jay Cutler’s podcast on COVID-19 vaccine mandates, women’s clothing and former US President Barack Obama’s family lineage. Steele later issued an apology, but it was too late.

In 2022, Steele filed a lawsuit against ESPN, alleging that the network had retaliated against her in the months following her suspension. In the lawsuit, she accused ESPN of taking opportunities away from her and slowly degrading her career. The lawsuit was settled in 2024.

Steele had every reason to side with Clark, but she chose to speak against him.

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Ryan Clark gives a fresh perspective about his podcast

Clark started the Pivot podcast with retired NFL players Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor. The podcast reportedly has an annual turnover between $3.5 million and $6 million.

Sage Steele Backs Super Bowl Champion's Harsh Ryan Clark Criticism
Ryan Clark (Image via ESPN)

During his monologue, Clark highlighted that he could be himself on the podcast, free from ESPN censorship. However, it hasn’t always worked in his favor. But he still has not shied away from letting his feelings known to his followers.

Not everything I’ve said on this platform has worked in my favor, but I’ve always shown up as my authentic self. I’ve never tried to be anyone else. That’s why last Friday meant so much to me. The Pivot gave me the space to be fully me—to smile, laugh, cry, clap my hands when I talk, & embrace every emotion. It was beautiful in the realest, dopest way.

Ryan Clark tweeted

Clark spent nearly eleven years at ESPN. He appeared on several shows including First Take, Get Up, NFL Live and SportsCenter.

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