Clark was among several notable names laid off from the company this week following the network’s finalized acquisition of NFL Network earlier this year.
Former NFL player-turned-analyst Ryan Clark was one of the biggest names let go by ESPN earlier this week as part of mass layoffs across Disney. Unlike some of his former co-workers at the Worldwide Leader in Sports, he learned of the decision to be laid off as he was on air for “NFL Live.”
On Wednesday, Clark responded to an article from TMZ Sports about his dismissal, suggesting that he wasn’t forced off the air during a commercial break. The report from TMZ suggested that the decision for Clark not to return on air was mutually agreed upon between him and ESPN executives. He appeared via Zoom for a segment and was not physically on set in Bristol, Connecticut. However, he no longer appeared on the show after what would be his final segment.
“I wasn’t forced?” Clark questioned on Wednesday afternoon. “I ask, ‘Should I be done now?’ The answer was ‘yes.’”
Clark was among several former NFL players to be let go from the network between Monday and Tuesday. Among the layoffs were former MVP Cam Newton and Bart Scott, along with NFL Network analyst Charles Davis. ESPN boss Jimmy Pitaro confirmed they had to make “difficult decisions” regarding the layoffs as the shedding of talent also came with the full integration of the NFL Network team going into the upcoming football season.
On Tuesday, Clark sent a broader message to those affected by the layoffs, hoping another opportunity comes their way.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” he wrote. “So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!”
Several ESPN personalities, from Marcus Spears to Stephen A. Smith, voiced their feelings about Clark being let go. Spears and Clark were frequently on the “NFL Live” panel, helping the show win several Emmy Awards. The pair also were on “Monday Night Countdown” alongside longtime “SportsCenter” anchor Scott Van Pelt and Jason Kelce.
“I’m gonna miss my Dog on the screen and we made history together along with Boogie DO and MK!!” Spears wrote on Instagram. “We’ve talked! I don’t like it and I hate he’s not gonna be on those sets with me. I also keep in mind that many others have been let go as well. I’m gonna respect them and their process as well. I wish them all well. @realrclark onward and upward. You Rocked the mic bruh and I know you will continue to shine your light bruddah🙏🏿 Before TV and NFL careers two youngins with dreams of making it big at LSU! Keep goin.”
Smith used a YouTube video to address Clark’s exit from ESPN and why he was displeased with the move.
“It’s a rough day,” Smith began in speaking about Clark, whom he referred to as the best NFL analyst in the country and a “friend” and a “brother.”
“Over the last few hours, I had to really, really refrain—damn, they got blisters on my tongue and my fingers from biting my tongue and biting my fingers from refraining from going after folks when I saw how people were talking about him,” Smith said about the online discourse about Clark, namely from Republicans and conservatives who thought he always spoke about race. “When I saw how people were talking about him, I was like, they don’t know him at all.”