SerpApi.Org
ESPN fired analyst Ryan Clark on Monday as part of the network's restructuring following the $3 billion acquisition of the NFL Network by Disney. The purchase created overlapping roles and positions, and the 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' was expected to announce layoffs sooner rather than later.
Clark, though, was a surprise cut, as he had been with the network since 2015 and is considered a close ally of ESPN's 100-million-dollar man, Stephen A. Smith. But as veteran sports analyst Jason Whitlock, who also used to work for ESPN, said, Smith may be the loudest man in the studio, but his voice does not have power, not even influence.
"Ryan Clark got fired, laid off. Stephen A. Smith, the man with the $100 million contract, couldn't save Ryan Clark. Stephen A. Smith's leverage is a magic trick. It's loud, it's shiny. It works on the audience. It does not move one executive," said Whitlock.
SAS hasn't been able to stop ESPN from firing his associates
Many consider Stephen A. to be the face of ESPN. He has worked for the network since 2003 and has risen through the ranks to become arguably its most recognizable personality. He is the lead host and executive producer of 'First Take', one of the network's most popular shows and its lead morning debate program.
Speaking of First Take, Smith had at least two other close associates on that show who also recently left the network. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe was fired by ESPN in July 2025, while Molly Qerim left the network two months later after a contract extension disagreement.
Although Clark wasn't a host on 'First Take', he was a regular guest, but just like Shannon and Molly, Smith could not protect Ryan from getting kicked out because, as Jason said, SAS does not have much sway in the company.
"You want to see what real power at ESPN looks like? Look at Pat McAfee. When McAfee talks, the building moves. When Stephen A. talks, the building rolls its eyes and does whatever it was already going to do. McAfee has leverage, Stephen A. has volume. And Ryan Clark bet his entire career on volume, on being the loudest, most identity-obsessed voice in the room. He thought standing next to the loud guy made him safe. It made him expendable," he added.
Stephen A. said he isn't happy with Clark's firing
Clark getting fired after working that long was one thing; how they gave him the pink slip was another. According to reports, Clark was on 'NFL Live' last Monday when he was told he had been fired during the break. He did not continue the show. Meanwhile, Stephen A. issued a 'strong' reaction to his buddy's ouster on his self-titled show.
"My brother, Ryan Clark, the person who I consider to be arguably the best NFL analyst in America, is no longer a member of ESPN. And I can't even tell y'all how much that hurts," Smith said. "He's a man, so he's going to handle it the way men do. And we understand that. But I'm going to miss him. I am not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I'm not happy about this decision. I've made that very, very clear."
But as Whitlock mentioned, Stephen A. can say what he wants to say. He can say it as loud as he wants. He can claim to be whoever he wants to be. But when it comes down to when it matters most, he does not decide the outcome of the game like his GOAT, Michael Jordan, does, or in the case of ESPN, Pat McAfee.
