Ryan Clark discusses firing from ESPN after Stephen A. Smith's warning
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 5:30 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Ryan Clark revealed he was caught off guard by his firing from ESPN during a live taping of 'NFL Live.' Fellow analyst Stephen A. Smith had previously warned him about tensions with an ESPN executive. Clark, who had been with the network for over a decade, discussed his exit on 'The Pivot Podcast,' stating that internal issues may have influenced the decision. He voiced regret about how the layoffs, which also affected other longtime ESPN figures, reflect a small group's views rather than his professional relationships and work.
- •Clark confirmed Smith warned him about potential internal issues at ESPN.
- •Clark expressed shock at his unexpected firing during a live show.
- •Smith publicly criticized ESPN's decision to terminate Clark's contract.
- •Clark emphasized the importance of his principles over job security.
- •Other ESPN personalities, including Karl Ravech and David Lloyd, were also laid off.
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Gotten Some Heads Up’ — Ryan Clark Reveals Stephen A. Smith Warned Him About 1 ESPN Executive
"Ryan Clark spent more than a decade at ESPN, taking on several television roles, including regular appearances on “First Take. ” That’s why his firing from the network came as a surprise to him, but fellow ESPN analyst Stephen A.
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