Ryan Clark is remembered by many for his performances on the field, playing for 13 seasons in the NFL. He played as a safety for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants, and the Washington Redskins. He won the Super Bowl once and retired back in 2015.
After his retirement from the sport, he became a prominent ESPN analyst, and is known for his numerous takes. His latest one has gotten him much backlash.
Ryan Clark speaks on Cam Newton betraying Stephen A. Smith
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently hosted sports commentator Jason Whitlock on his “4th & 1” podcast. Whitlock is known to have a long-standing feud with popular sports commentator and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. During the episode, Whitlock referred to Stephen A. Smith as a “liar” and a “fraud” which was not challenged by Newton.
Ryan Clark
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Ryan Clark on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This has created chaos in the sports commentary scene, with Newton being criticized by many. Newton has been a regular on ESPN’s First Take, which is hosted by Smith. Ever since his retirement, Newton has been featured and helped by Smith, which is why he is being labelled a traitor to Smith.
Smith himself addressed the issue in a YouTube video, saying, “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. Let them prove it. I’m a fraud? How? What facts do you have?”
This was not taken kindly by Clark, who took to X to criticize Newton. His post said, “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 💩 about person. That’s not G at all. Loyalty is at a minimum these days.” He did not mention any names, but it clear who he was referencing to. Many fans did not like how Clark called out Newton and criticized him.
Fans mock Ryan Clark over Cam Newton criticism
Many fans roasted Clark in the comments over his tweet. They felt Newton had every right to host Whitlock and that he should directly addressed Newton.
One user said, “I will give you credit Ryan, you are extremely loyal to having consistently bad takes🙏”.
A second user wrote, “You’re in no position to tell people right from wrong #ApologyMan”.
A third user replied, “This makes no sense! Its his show and he can have whoever he wants on the show. His enemy is not HIS enemy so how in the world do you question loyalty? And why not say this directly to Cam? And isn’t this media? Why are you making it seem like he violated some sort of code?”
Another added, “God you are such a sensitive damn sissy!!!! Do your damn job! Report on sports! Stop trying to be the conscience of everyone in the news!! Good Lord!! Damn!!!”
A fifth remarked, “Either be direct or don’t speak on it bruh! All dis passive aggressive shots rather than putting a name on it or picking up the phone to call that person ain’t G either bruh!”
A sixth user commented, It sounds like you get on your knees to service Smith after First Take wraps- which I already suspected. You’re also a race-baiting white-hating kiss-ass. GTFO”.
Ryan Clark will continue to work, while the drama around Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock is ongoing.