Ryan Clark Has Interesting 2-Word Response To Stephen A. Smith’s Public Comments About His ESPN Firing
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Ryan Clark kept his response brief after Stephen A. Smith publicly weighed in on his departure from ESPN.
Smith reacted after reports confirmed ESPN laid off Clark during a sweeping round of cuts tied largely to the company’s integration of NFL Network following its acquisition earlier this year.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said most of the job reductions stemmed from that integration effort, though other departments also saw cuts.
“Business is business. I understand that. But losing Ryan Clark? See you at 12 pm ET on YouTube,” the ‘First Take’ host tweeted on Tuesday.
Clark responded with just two words:
“My Dog.”
Stephen A. Smith Joined Growing Reaction To ESPN Layoffs
Clark’s exit marked one of the highest-profile departures during ESPN’s latest restructuring.
Reports indicated the network also moved on from longtime baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech, NFL insider Tom Pelissero, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury analyst Stephania Bell, NFL analyst Charles Davis and First Take contributor Cam Newton.
Clark reportedly learned of the decision while appearing on ‘NFL Live’. ESPN accelerated the timing after media inquiries raised concerns that news of his departure would leak before executives informed him directly.
Smith’s post drew thousands of reactions. Some fans agreed with his frustration over Clark’s departure, while others argued ESPN made the right business decision.
Someone suggested that, “Maybe he’ll take a small cut of his $40mil contract to keep you at ESPN…”
Maybe he’ll take a small cut of his $40mil contract to keep you at ESPN…
— Kyle (@KyleUConn7) July 21, 2026
“Aww Stephen A is on it… ya you gonna be back latest before the 2027 season 😂,” another user joked.
Aww Stephen A is on it… ya you gonna be back latest before the 2027 season 😂
— Kevin mule (@Kevinmule22816) July 21, 2026
“Read the room and understand you were awful at your job. Your takes were a joke,” someone else declared.
Read the room and understand you were awful at your job. Your takes were a joke. And you made it loud and clear everyday you can’t stand white people. Good fucking riddance.
— Woke Societies (@wokesocieties) July 21, 2026
Clark also sympathized with the other talent let go by ESPN this week.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” he wrote in another tweet.
“So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!” RC added.
The question lingering now… what’s next?
