ESPN is reportedly set to part ways with Cam Newton as part of a series of talent layoffs. These changes are expected to include NFL analyst Ryan Clark, according to multiple sources. The network plans to announce these layoffs, with some communications potentially occurring as early as Tuesday.
Sources indicate that the network featured Newton as a debate partner for Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” over the past two seasons. Last season, Newton was elevated to replace Shannon Sharpe as Smith’s primary Monday co-host during the football season, which is reportedly the show’s highest-rated day of the week. The network is now expected to seek a permanent replacement for Newton on the Monday editions of the program.
A public exchange between Newton and Smith occurred last spring after Newton invited Jason Whitlock onto his podcast. Smith had previously stated he “hates with a passion” Whitlock. Smith criticized Newton for not defending him when Whitlock cited what he described as fabrications in Smith’s 2023 memoir. Newton responded that he did not challenge Whitlock because, in his view, there was “nothing to correct.”
Layoffs Tied to NFL Network Acquisition
The layoffs at ESPN are being linked to the acquisition of NFL Network. ESPN executive Jimmy Pitaro sent a memo to employees on Tuesday morning, explaining the ongoing changes. Pitaro stated that over the past several months, significant progress has been made in integrating the acquired NFL assets into ESPN.
According to Pitaro’s memo, the company has carefully evaluated its teams, resources, and organizational structure to best position itself for the future. This process has led to difficult decisions regarding job impacts, which are being communicated to employees. While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, some colleagues in other parts of the company are also being notified that their positions have been affected.
The memo emphasized a commitment to treating employees with compassion and respect and providing support during this transition. However, some internal chatterboxes shared information about several of the moves with the media, leading to multiple employees reportedly finding out about their departure from external sources. In Ryan Clark’s case, he reportedly learned of his fate while on the air.
Ryan Clark’s Departure and Internal Dynamics
Sources briefed on the move indicated that ESPN cut ties with NFL analyst Ryan Clark. Clark was reportedly informed of the decision during an episode of ESPN’s “NFL Live” on Monday and did not finish the program. The decision to inform him during the show was reportedly due to media inquiries into his departure and a concern that the news would leak before he could be directly informed.
Since after the Super Bowl in February, sources had suggested that Clark’s job could be in jeopardy. Last week, it was learned that Clark was likely to be let go. The original plan was to inform him on Tuesday morning, but after receiving calls on the matter, the network chose to inform him during his show to prevent him from reading about it online before being told in person.
Clark had been with ESPN for more than a decade. Despite being slated to be a significant part of the network’s Super Bowl LXI coverage next year, when ESPN is set to broadcast the event for the first time, there had been internal discussions since February that he might not return. Reports suggest that ESPN executives had concerns regarding some of Clark’s choices, with a dynamic peaking during an on- and off-air incident last season involving colleague Peter Schrager.
During an episode of “Get Up” last September, after Schrager defended Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s performance in an opening-night loss, Clark commented, “That’s the non-player in you.” Schrager reportedly asked Clark not to belittle him and mentioned other perspectives, to which Clark responded, “Peter, what I need for you to do is not get mad and let me finish.” Later that day, Clark posted an apology on social media, stating, “Today, I had an interaction with my colleague (Schrager) both on and off the air that I regret.”
Clark played 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2002. His playing career concluded after the 2014 season, after which he transitioned into broadcasting at ESPN. He eventually joined “Monday Night Countdown,” alongside host Scott Van Pelt and analysts Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears, a role he held for three years. Clark was also a regular on shows such as “First Take,” “Get Up,” and “NFL Live.” He also hosts his own podcast, “The Pivot.”
Clark‘s most recent deal with ESPN followed a public negotiation process after the Super Bowl in February 2024.
Source: foxnews.com