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ESPN is set to broadcast the first Super Bowl in the network's history this upcoming season, but one of its most prominent NFL analysts won't be involved.
According to a report from The Athletic, ESPN parted ways with NFL analyst Ryan Clark on Monday as part of a wave of layoffs that will take place this week in Bristol.
Clark joined ESPN back in 2015 after a 13-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl title and a Pro Bowl appearance. As a broadcaster, Clark bounced around between shows but served as one of the more visible NFL analysts on the network. He was part of the Monday Night Countdown crew that included Scott Van Pelt, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears.
Clark also won an Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst in 2023. Most would have thought Clark to be around when ESPN aired the Super Bowl. But the situation at ESPN soured for Clark this year.
He was informed while on NFL Live and didn't finish the show.
Why ESPN parted ways with Clark
Despite all the accolades as an on-air personality this past decade, Clark reportedly had behavioral issues as of late and clashed with colleagues.
Last year, Clark had to apologize for an altercation with ESPN reporter Peter Schrager on Get Up. Clark made a remark about Schrager not being a former player. When Schrager responded to the comment, Clark said, "Peter, what I need for you to do is not get mad and let me finish.”
The exchange was heated enough that it reportedly spilled off the air and had Clark on "thin ice," according to Front Office Sports.
ESPN declined to comment on whether the incident was related to his ousting.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why ESPN reportedly fired NFL analyst Ryan Clark
