ESPN’s latest layoffs hit a familiar name in NFL media, and Ryan Clark didn’t hide how he felt about the way it went down.
Clark, the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and longtime ESPN analyst, was among the on-air talents let go in the network’s most recent round of cuts. He had been with ESPN since 2015. The reaction to his exit wasn’t just about the layoff itself, but the fact that Clark learned he was being fired while still on air.
After the news broke, Clark posted a statement on X aimed at the colleagues who were also let go.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” Clark writes. “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!”
But on the latest episode of The Pivot, Clark took a much sharper tone when talking about the decision behind his firing.
“This was a dictatorship,” Clark said. “A person or a group of persons - a very small group - they didn’t poll the majority. They didn’t ask that question.”
He went on to suggest the move was driven by personal feelings toward him.
“Even though you told me just how important he was, I don’t care,’” Clark said in terms of the mindset of those who fired him. “I don’t care.
I know how important you think he is. You work with him every day.
I don’t care how important you think he is. I don’t like him.”
Clark’s next move is not yet known, but the expectation is that he’ll land somewhere else before long.
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