One of the most bizarre feuds across sports media was the genuine vitriol between Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock. After sharing a platform on ESPN for many years, the two went their separate ways, but the anger has still been palpable in occasional remarks.
This year, that came back to the forefront, thanks to Cam Newton. Now, another former player-turned-analyst, Ryan Clark, has taken offense to Newton’s role in the endeavor, even calling him out publicly.
Ryan Clark Defends Stephen A. Smith, Claiming Cam Newton’s ‘Loyalty’ Is at a Minimum
The entire situation reached a frenzy when Whitlock was invited to the former MVP’s podcast. There, he made a ton of accusations against the biggest voice at ESPN, going so far as to call him a “fraud” and a “liar.”
For a rivalry that has stretched on for ages, Smith wasn’t one to remain silent on the matter. However, his vitriol wasn’t directed solely at the sports media pundit. Instead, Newton was also caught in the fire.
“Cam Newton, next time, my brother, cause you know I love you, you’re gonna interview somebody and bring me up? Don’t just sit there and let them talk sh*t. Ask questions,” Smith said.
The Carolina Panthers legend has also taken to a career in sports media, with frequent appearances on Smith’s “First Take” during the NFL season. As a result, it was clear that the interaction didn’t go over well with the longtime analyst.
However, others at ESPN have also stepped out in his defense. Chief among those was Clark, who’s also shared the “First Take” stage with him. An undrafted free agent out of LSU, Clark had a remarkable career once he got to the NFL.
Spending more than a decade in the league, he suited up for a plethora of teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned the lone Pro Bowl selection of his career and even played a role en route to their victory in Super Bowl 43.
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Taking to X, he also called out Newton. “If someone shows you love, has you on ‘their’ show twice a week… at least. You don’t bring his known enemy on your show and allow your guest to talk s**t about person. That’s not G at all. Loyalty is at a minimum these days.”
It will be interesting to see if Newton addresses the comments from either Smith or Clark. But given his regular appearances on the show and his natural personality, it is hard to imagine him not responding.
