On Tuesday, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts on the departure of his colleague and NFL analyst Ryan Clark from ESPN.
ESPN laid off Clark on Monday as part of the company’s latest cost-cutting measures. He served ESPN for 11 years. Clark was appearing live on “NFL Live” when he was informed of the decision. He reportedly left the broadcast before it concluded.
On his YouTube Channel, Smith opened up about his close relationship with Clark.
“I’m going to miss him,” Smith said. “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 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.”
While he was sharing, Smith also revealed that more such firings are underway.
“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 continued. “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.”
Later in the video, Smith also revealed that he was informed about Clark’s firing in advance. However, the “First Take” host strongly disagreed with ESPN’s decision at the time.
“Was I asked what I thought, what my feelings were? Yes, I was,” Smith said. “And, of course I said we have to keep him. But I don’t get to make those decisions. And I don’t get to ignore the fiscal and financial circumstances and ultimate ramifications that come with the job. That’s for the dudes way above me and the ladies. Decisions like this, I would imagine, don’t come easy.”
Stephen A. Smith Vouches For Ryan Clark To Land Another Role Soon
While Stephen A. Smith feels hurt over Ryan Clark being laid off, the analyst wishes best for the former ESPN employee to land a role soon. He even vouched for Clark, highlighting his talents and asked other organizations to add him to their roster soon.
“His career is far from over,” Smith said. “He’s one of the best in the business, and whatever network it is should be salivating at the mouth to gobble him up instantly and bring him on board to do the great work that he’s capable of doing.”
Clark joined ESPN in 2015 after retiring from the NFL. Over the last 11 years, he was a recognizable face on several ESPN shows, including “NFL Live,” “Monday Night Countdown,” “Get Up” and “First Take.” The former Super Bowl-winning safety has also won an Emmy Award in broadcasting.
As for his layoff, it was expected in a way that ESPN is restructuring after integrating with NFL Media, so they may not be able to afford to keep everyone.
Read More News:
Dave Portnoy Rips ESPN for Letting Go Another Prominent Voice After Ryan Clark’s Departure
“Makes Absolutely No Sense”: Trey Wingo Slams ESPN’s Reported Explanation For Ryan Clark’s Layoff
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