Ryan Clark was in his usual role of being an analyst on Monday’s episode of “NFL Live” when he was informed off-air that ESPN was cutting ties with him, and he did not appear for the final 10 minutes of the show. Many media personalities started heavily criticizing ESPN for this move, but Outkick’s Clay Travis was on the opposite side.
Clay Travis Mocks Ryan Clark After ESPN Firing
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Clark’s firing from ESPN was reportedly “influenced” by concerns about his on-air conduct.
For example, one incident occurred on “Get Up” last September when Peter Schrager defended Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb after the team’s season-opening defeat. Clark responded by saying, “That’s the non-player in you,” triggering Schrager to ask him not to belittle him. Clark later issued a public apology on X.
ESPN’s decision to remove Clark from NFL Live before the show concluded was driven by timing. Marchand wrote, “Sources at ESPN say the reason they told Clark during the show was due to media inquiries into his departure and a fear that the news would leak out before they could inform him.”
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It was not a good end for Clark with ESPN, but Travis was one of many who liked the ex-NFL star’s firing.
“ESPN firing Ryan Clark and leaking the news to Outkick writers to break is just chef’s kiss perfect. Sanity is finally winning and wiping the floor with the woke sports universe,” Travis wrote on X.
“If the people who cover sports media actually covered sports media fairly, this would be a huge story,” Travis added. “But since they are all white dudes who voted for Kamala, they will mostly ignore this detail. But, my goodness, this delectable. Well done @burackbobby_ & @RealDanZak.”
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Clark frequently drew criticism for several of his opinions throughout his ESPN tenure. He questioned whether Tom Brady should be considered a “generational talent,” and also faced significant backlash over race-related comments.
However, former NFL player Emmanuel Acho was one of many who came to Clark’s defense, arguing that his broadcasting talent should not be overlooked. Acho described Clark as one of television’s most gifted personalities, credited him with helping NFL Live win its first Emmy Awards, and called him a master of his craft.
Meanwhile, Travis even slammed Acho for defending Clark.
“Fired dude with awful takes defends fired dude with awful takes,” Travis wrote while sharing a screenshot of Acho’s post.
Fired dude with awful takes defends fired dude with awful takes. pic.twitter.com/r8lf2HnqX2
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) July 21, 2026
Speculation about Clark’s future at ESPN had reportedly been circulating since the Super Bowl in February. He first joined ESPN while still an active NFL player, then transitioned to a full-time analyst following his retirement after the 2014 season. He was reportedly earning approximately $2 million annually under the contract extension he signed in 2024.
