ESPN cuts Ryan Clark during live broadcast amid Disney layoffs
Fox News reported that ESPN terminated commentator Ryan Clark during a live NFL Live broadcast after a series of on-air controversies. USA Today said the network told Clark he would be laid off during a commercial break on the program on July 20, hours before his contract was set to expire on July 21. NBC Sports noted that Clark confirmed the on-air dismissal and did not return to the show.
Yahoo Sports described the move as part of a broader Disney-wide round of layoffs that also saw veteran broadcasters such as Karl Ravech and former First Take contributor Cam Newton lose their positions. The New York Times added that ESPN planned further cuts affecting other NFL Network staff, including insider Tom Pelissero. AP News reported that the layoffs were the first staff reductions since ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network assets, affecting production crews and several on-air personalities.
