Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Stephen A. Smith gives his honest and emotional reaction to ESPN letting go of Ryan Clark.
Stephen A. opens up about his close relationship with Ryan, why he believes Clark is one of the best NFL analysts in America, and why he strongly disagrees with ESPN’s decision. He also addresses the reality of layoffs in the media business, reflects on Ryan’s impact across First Take, NFL Live, SportsCenter and Monday Night Football, and explains why he has no doubt Ryan Clark will quickly land on his feet.
This is more than a reaction to a business decision. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a colleague, a brother and one of the most respected voices in football.
Subscribe for more unfiltered commentary from Stephen A. Smith.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Stephen A. Reacts to Ryan Clark Leaving ESPN
01:17 Why This Decision Hurts So Much
02:21 What Ryan Clark Meant to Stephen A.
04:28 Defending Ryan Clark From His Critics
05:25 The Reality of ESPN Layoffs
08:19 Why Another Network Should Hire Ryan Immediately
09:27 Addressing the Criticism of Ryan Clark
10:18 Ryan Clark’s Work Ethic and ESPN Legacy
11:47 Stephen A. Wanted ESPN to Keep Him
12:53 Ryan Clark Always Had Stephen A.’s Back
14:36 Ryan Clark’s Career Is Far From Over
15:14 An Emotional Goodbye
16:20 Why Ryan Clark Will Be Just Fine
17:12 “First Take Ain’t Going to Be the Same Without You”
sxm.app.link/YouTubeSAS
Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith
Instagram: instagram.com/stephenasmith
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stephenasmith
Facebook: facebook.com/stephena
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194
Stephen A. Smith gives his honest and emotional reaction to ESPN letting go of Ryan Clark.
Stephen A. opens up about his close relationship with Ryan, why he believes Clark is one of the best NFL analysts in America, and why he strongly disagrees with ESPN’s decision. He also addresses the reality of layoffs in the media business, reflects on Ryan’s impact across First Take, NFL Live, SportsCenter and Monday Night Football, and explains why he has no doubt Ryan Clark will quickly land on his feet.
This is more than a reaction to a business decision. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a colleague, a brother and one of the most respected voices in football.
Subscribe for more unfiltered commentary from Stephen A. Smith.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Stephen A. Reacts to Ryan Clark Leaving ESPN
01:17 Why This Decision Hurts So Much
02:21 What Ryan Clark Meant to Stephen A.
04:28 Defending Ryan Clark From His Critics
05:25 The Reality of ESPN Layoffs
08:19 Why Another Network Should Hire Ryan Immediately
09:27 Addressing the Criticism of Ryan Clark
10:18 Ryan Clark’s Work Ethic and ESPN Legacy
11:47 Stephen A. Wanted ESPN to Keep Him
12:53 Ryan Clark Always Had Stephen A.’s Back
14:36 Ryan Clark’s Career Is Far From Over
15:14 An Emotional Goodbye
16:20 Why Ryan Clark Will Be Just Fine
17:12 “First Take Ain’t Going to Be the Same Without You”
sxm.app.link/YouTubeSAS
Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://x.com/stephenasmith
Instagram: instagram.com/stephenasmith
TikTok: tiktok.com/@stephenasmith
Facebook: facebook.com/stephena
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephen-a-smith-763b31194
