It’s been a tumultuous week for ESPN following the company’s string of layoffs, and Ryan Clark is finally setting the record straight about his departure from the sports media giant.
The former NFL star’s layoff comes at the same time as several ESPN veterans like Karl Ravech and David Lloyd. However, Clark’s exit continues to draw major blowback from several high-profile figures like Stephen A. Smith.
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Clark re-joined “The Pivot” podcast this week to express his disappointment with ESPN’s decision. Meanwhile, the former Pittsburgh Steelers player takes several shots at ESPN throughout his emotional endeavor.
The ex-LSU Tigers standout spent over a decade with ESPN with various TV roles, including appearances on “First Take,” ‘Get Up” and most notably “NFL Live.”
ESPN receives the brunt of his pain
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark laughs during a live taping of ESPN’s “First Take.”
The major point of contention comes with the wording of Clark’s ESPN release. It’s evident that the former NFL player believes he wasn’t “laid off.”
“Let me put this to bed, I wasn’t laid off. I was FIRED. {ESPN} is using ‘laid off’ as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing.” Ryan Clark on @thepivothttps://t.co/zFh7f20QXmpic.twitter.com/ZK1N5FaQ3z
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026
“Let me put this to bed, I wasn’t laid off … I was fired,” Clark expresses on his podcast. “ESPN is using ‘laid off’ as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing.”
MORE: Nick Bosa takes victory lap over Ryan Clark’s ESPN layoff
The accusations create an even bigger headache for ESPN after Clark continued with another serious claim. His belief is that the Worldwide Leader in Sports leaked his layoff to Outkick in order to create a negative narrative around his release.
“They were gonna get ahead of it by leaking it to someone who they know hated me,” Clark stated.
Ryan Clark is pouring his heart out on @thepivot right now.
“For 3 years we never shied away from any topic. We did this year… I couldn’t be too black. What makes me sad is, in even trying adjust to be more of what certain people wanted, they still fired me.” pic.twitter.com/GHFe26YGj1
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026
Emotions reach all-time high
Meanwhile, the ex-Steeler showed serious vulnerability as he broke down in tears while speaking about being let go from his place of employment for over 11 years.
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Clark also says that he’s happy with his ability to be able to share conversations that help benefit the African American community.
It’s unclear what’s next for the outspoken media figure, but his podcast is certainly a viable option. “The Pivot” boasts a wide YouTube audience that includes over 1.4 million subscribers on the platform.
