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Stephen A. Smith has never been shy about giving his take.
The star of ESPN's "First Take" was spared from the network's latest round of layoffs, but some of his colleagues weren't so lucky. That includes Ryan Clark, the former NFL safety who was a regular guest on "First Take" and a prominent figure in ESPN's NFL coverage.
It was news that came as a shock to most, including Smith, who voiced his displeasure with the company's decision on his YouTube channel on July 21.
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"It hurts. It really does," Smith said. "I understand the business. I understand layoffs come. I understand that there have been other names that have been a part of it in the past and there's going to be names in the future. Hell, one of them might be mine."
Smith referred to Clark on multiple occasions as someone he considers to be "arguably the best NFL analyst in America."
Clark was officially notified of the network's decision during "NFL Live" on July 20. He didn't finish the show and broke his silence on July 21 with a pair of social media posts. The former NFL safety was the first known cut made during this round, which is expected to include the likes of Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero, Cam Newton and others.
"I want it recognized for the record, how much I'm gonna miss this brother, how much I appreciate this brother, how sad I am that this brother is gone from ESPN," Smith said of Clark. "And I'm not going to have the absolute pleasure of working with him for years to come."
One of the faces of ESPN, Smith declared that the network's programming will not get better without Clark and expressed his unhappiness with the decision.
"I am not happy about this decision one bit," Smith said. "The bosses know I'm not happy about this decision. I've made that very very clear. But it's also important that myself and anybody else in the world of business be grown-ups and understand that these are the kind of things that happen when layoffs happen."
Fortunately for Clark, Smith believes his career is far from over and suggested another network should be "salivating" at the thought of bringing him in.
Smith left a parting message for Clark at the end of his reaction.
"I'm not sorry for you because I know you going to be just fine," Smith said. "I'm sorry for us that we ain't gonna have the opportunity to continue to have you on the airwaves for ESPN and specifically First Take.
"It ain't going to be the same without you."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stephen A. Smith reacts to Ryan Clark layoff at ESPN: 'I am not happy'
