NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho called out Stephen A. Smith one day after the ‘First Take’ host confessed the details regarding Ryan Clark’s firing from the network on his YouTube channel.
On Tuesday, Smith alleged that he was consulted on Clark’s firing and shared that he didn’t agree with the decision to let Clark go. However, he revealed that he was helpless in this case as the call was not for him to make. Appearing on SpeakEasy, Acho said Smith could have stopped ESPN from laying off Clark. Acho spoke about the ESPN analyst’s influence on the network.
“Stephen A. Smith could have stopped this,” Acho said. “And that’s what’s weird to me about seeing this apology. Stephen A., you both have enough power to go to the executives and say, ‘Hey, yo, I don’t want him to get fired.’ And B., you have enough power and fiscal responsibility and freedom to say, ‘Hey, yo, I will do whatever is in my power to make sure they don’t stop this.’ So again, everybody’s different, but I’m by no stretch of the imagination someone who has the power Stephen A. Smith has.”
Acho gave an example from his own show on how he let go of $25,000 of his salary to ensure the new person was hired. He revealed how beneficial it turned out in the end for everyone. Through this, Acho was trying to understand why Smith couldn’t have done the same thing, given how much he said he loved having Clark on his show.
“That’s laughable money compared to the $20 million Stephen A. is making,” Acho remarked.
Stephen A. Smith Warns ESPN Colleagues of Ryan Clark’s Fate
During his show, Stephen A. Smith also spoke about how there are more such firings to happen at ESPN following their deal with NFL Network in August.
Because of this merger, roles are overlapping, and this is part of the reason layoffs are taking place. The other reason is the reduction of the workforce at The Walt Disney Company.
When talking about Ryan Clark’s firing on Tuesday, Smith flagged a warning that more such ESPN colleagues are likely to get fired.
“It’s Tuesday, and by the end of this day, you’re going to hear about a lot more folks getting laid off, people that are my colleagues, my contemporaries,” Smith said. “For all I know, and I don’t know the names yet, but for all I know, some more of my friends are going to be gone.”
Apart from Clark, fellow First Take contributor Cam Newton was also let go by ESPN as they undergo massive restructuring.
Read More News:
Full List of ESPN Layoffs in 2026: Everyone Who the Network Has Let Go So Far
“Makes Absolutely No Sense”: Trey Wingo Slams ESPN’s Reported Explanation For Ryan Clark’s Layoff
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