Former NFL teammates and ESPN colleagues Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III recently made headlines for exchanging barbs online.
After Griffin commented on the WNBA’s biggest rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, Clark stepped over the line by bringing up Griffin’s marriage into the discussion by saying that the former Heisman winner only saw the Clark-Reese rivalry one way because his wife is white.
Stephen A. Smith Sticks Up for Ryan Clark After Calls Mount for His Job
On “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the longtime ESPN personality chatted about the argument between the two ex-NFL stars and showed his support for Ryan Clark, specifically, after some fans and other media personalities called for ESPN to fire him.
“I don’t want to hear s**t about Ryan Clark getting fired,” Smith said. “I don’t want to hear that. Ryan Clark is my colleague, he is my friend and brother. He is a good man, and he’s a good brother.”
Then, Smith seemingly sent a bold message to his ESPN bosses about the calls for Clark’s job: “There is no way on Earth that I would be quiet if he was fired over something like this.”
Smith went on to note that he believes Clark was not right in what he said, but that he believes the former Pro Bowl safety was seeing red because he doesn’t like Griffin, whom he played with in 2014 with the Washington Commanders.
“I’m not saying he’s right… but this is not a fireable offense,” Smith stressed.
Would ESPN Fire Ryan Clark?
The idea of the network firing Clark for this misstep seems a little far-fetched, especially considering this argument occurred with someone who no longer works for ESPN.
Griffin was let go by ESPN before the start of last year’s NFL season in a round of significant staff cuts (more on that below), while Clark has been with ESPN since 2015 and has been a key member of programs such as “NFL Live,” “Get Up,” and “Monday Night Countdown.”
While Clark’s comments about Griffin’s marriage in relation to the Clark-Reese rivalry were one step too far, he has been known to be a very smart and respected media personality.
If I had to do address @RGIII again I wouldn’t include his wife. She didn’t need to be made an example of in order to make my point. I could have easily pointed to the positive impact a connection with black women had on the way you see, understand, & treat them.
The optics of… pic.twitter.com/nDZ6zUm8Q3
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 23, 2025
ESPN has not made any public statements about discipline for Clark, who has continued appearing on air without interruption. If ESPN were to fire Clark over these comments, it would be somewhat stunning given all of Clark’s contributions over the years.
Clearly, there’s more to this story in terms of the bad blood between Clark and Griffin. Clark’s issues with the QB date back to their playing days, as he recently referred to Griffin as “one of the worst teammates I ever had both on the field and in TV.”
Why Did ESPN Part Ways With Robert Griffin III?
Griffin’s exit from ESPN before the 2024 NFL season was part of a significant round of layoffs at the network, which included several high-profile personalities and longtime contributors.
According to several media outlets, including the New York Times, ESPN’s decision to let Griffin go wasn’t directly tied to any one controversy but rather to broader corporate restructuring driven by budget cuts and shifting programming strategies.
In mid-2023, ESPN, like many other media outlets, faced financial pressures due to declining cable subscriptions, rising rights fees for live sports, and an increasingly competitive digital landscape. As a result, ESPN conducted multiple rounds of layoffs and budget cuts. Griffin, who had been with the network since 2021, was among those affected by these cost-saving measures.
Before his departure, Griffin was known for his energetic and opinionated style on shows like “Get Up” and “College Football Live.” He provided analysis on both NFL and college football, leveraging his unique perspective as a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback. However, his outspoken approach wasn’t always universally praised, and he occasionally clashed with other analysts on air.
In Griffin’s case, ESPN’s decision to cut ties seemed purely financial rather than performance-based. After leaving ESPN, Griffin hasn’t faded from the spotlight — he’s continued to share his takes on social media and has appeared on other platforms as a guest analyst and commentator. He also leaned into his entrepreneurial side, expanding his podcast and brand presence.
For ESPN, this was one of many difficult choices the network has had to make as they pivot to a leaner, more digital-focused era.
As for Griffin, it was a chance to find new opportunities in a media world that values bold voices and personal brands more than ever before.
RC is a race baiter. Not a day goes by he doesn’t bring up race. Steven A is going to be upset. Who cares, he’s the least professional face of ESPN. ESPN has became a WOKE JOKE
Ryan Clark has repeatedly made racist remarks.
Everything is not about race all the freaking time. Ryan Clark brought race into it when he should not of. who appointed him the all knowing sage on black/white relations anyway??
I like Steven A Smith but RC is getting paid to do this same thing you he has his opinion just like he does
Let’s be honest here , if a white guy said that he would be fired