Last week, the sports world was shocked when Ryan Clark was informed that he was being let go by ESPN. Clark wound up being the first of many of his colleagues to be let go by the network, as they sought to cut costs and go in a different direction.
Many of these faces were very familiar to ESPN viewers over the years. Clark has taken to his podcast to share his thoughts on the firing, and several have come to his defense, including long-time colleague Stephen A. Smith. However, a two-time Super Bowl Champion took to social media to criticize Clark’s actions after the firing.
Asante Samuel Calls Out Ryan Clark Over His Actions Post ESPN Firing
Asante Samuel Sr. had a long and successful NFL career, across stints with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons. Much of his career overlapped with Clark’s playing career, and both were well-respected secondary players for over a decade.
Samuel, like Clark, has his own podcast now that his playing career is over. He criticized the former Pro Bowl safety on his podcast, “Say What Needs to be Said,” for how he has acted after being fired from ESPN.
“Why did Ryan Clark think ESPN loved him so much that he would be around forever?” Samuel asked. “He crashed out guys. That was a total crashout debacle by Ryan Clark.”
“He couldn’t wait to get on his podcast and cry in front of his viewers,” Samuel added. “People get fired every day with less opportunities than Ryan Clark. Why not cry at home in private, with your loved ones?”
Asante Furiously Reacts To Ryan Clark’s Need To Feel Accepted After ESPN Disrespect pic.twitter.com/bTL3dAVVis
— Say What Needs To Be Said (@saywhatneedsto) July 27, 2026
Clark was with ESPN for 11 years, from 2015 until he was let go on July 20, 2026. In 2023, Clark won an Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst for his work at ESPN.
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While the news of his dismissal was shocking enough, many were stunned to learn that Clark had heard it on air while recording “NFL Live.” The Super Bowl Champion safety did not finish the show and took to his podcast to defend himself and speak out against ESPN’s firing. Many, including Samuel, have criticized Clark, believing that he is using the situation for clicks and making it about him.
“There were nine people fired, but ESPN Ryan is the only one trying to turn this termination into a soap opera,” Samuel added. “Him crying because he got fired is worse than any take he has ever spewed on ESPN.”
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Clark was joined by Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero, Bart Scott, Karl Ravech, Charles Davis, David Lloyd, Stephania Bell, and others as those who were let go by ESPN.
The names who were let go may have come as a surprise, but the layoffs themselves were not, as the company must make sacrifices as it continues to grow. After acquiring the NFL Network and extending the contracts of individuals such as Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and Pat McAfee, the company has cut costs in other areas, as it has done before in past years.
Clark has been a vocal presence on social media, television, and his podcast since retiring from the NFL, and his firing and perspective afterward have sparked plenty of discussion.
What the future holds for his career in sports media remains to be seen. Still, for the time being, the situation will be worth monitoring, as Clark may fire back at those criticizing his actions since being let go.
