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Former NFL star and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders isn't thrilled about ESPN laying off Ryan Clark.
Clark, a 13-year NFL veteran, joined ESPN in February 2015 and quickly became one of the network's top analysts. He made regular appearances on "NFL Live" and "Get Up" before being informed of his release on Monday.
“Sources at ESPN say the reason they told Clark during the show was due to media inquiries into his departure and a fear that the news would leak out before they could inform him. Since after the Super Bowl in February, sources had told The Athletic that Clark’s job could be in jeopardy. Last week, The Athletic learned that Clark was likely to be let go,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic wrote. “ESPN’s plan was to do that on Tuesday morning, but after receiving calls on the matter chose to inform him during his show as they did not want him to read it online before being told in person.”
Despite being let go this week, Clark is trying to keep his head held up high. He also sent encouraging words to others laid off by ESPN.
"Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN," Clark wrote on social media. "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!"
Clark's classy message on Tuesday caught Sanders' attention. The Hall of Fame cornerback made it clear that he's a huge fan of the former ESPN analyst's work.
"This is 1 of many reasons I love this brother to Life," Sanders wrote on X. "This was arguably the best talent on the espn roster! How can You Know WHO still be there and @Realrclark25 AINT! Wow & please tell me the rumors of @CameronNewton ain’t true and this dude is STILL there."
Stephen A. Smith rips ESPN for parting ways with Ryan Clark.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith let the network's decision-makers know that he's not happy about Clark's sudden exit.
“Ryan Clark, someone I consider to be arguably the best NFL analyst in America, is no longer with ESPN,” Smith said. “I can’t even tell y’all how much that hurts. He’s a man, so he’ll handle it the way men do. But I’m going to miss him, and I’m not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I’m not happy about this decision. I’ve made that very, very clear.”
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the network is "committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition."
