After the highly polarizing layoff of former analyst Ryan Clark, it seems as if ESPN has already found his replacement in the form of an ex-NFL superstar.
Clark, who was regularly at the center of controversy, was let go in a decision that the network claimed was due to its acquisition of NFL Network. Meanwhile, Clark claims that he was fired due to his outspoken support of Black athletes.
However, ESPN’s reported replacement for Clark seems to point more toward its side of the story, and comes with his own baggage as well.
Steve Smith Set To Replace Ryan Clark On ESPN’s NFL Programming
Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reports that five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith is set to feature predominantly on ESPN programming.
Smith spent 15 seasons in the NFL before transitioning to a role with NFL Network in 2017.
While Smith is a bigger name than Clark, especially when you compare their accolades on the field, he’s not exactly impervious to controvery, either.
In 2023, Smith got into a very public feud with then Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy after referring to him as “just a guy.”
Smith tried to make amends with Jeudy, who brushed him off when the two saw each other in public at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy, because he’s unable to handle constructive criticism from people who watch specifically, can he be a wide receiver?” Smith then said on the air. “He can be a wide receiver. He’s a tier three.”
Jeudy responded with the best season of his career in 2024 after being traded to the Cleveland Browns. He caught 90 passes for 1,229 yards and four touchdowns.
As for Smith, Glasspiegel reports that tentative plans are likely to see him appear on ESPN’s Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and a new show hosted by Peter Schrager.
What do you think? Is swapping out Smith for Clark a win for ESPN? Let us know in the comments below!
The post ESPN Has Seemingly Already Found Its Replacement For Ryan Clark With Former NFL Superstar Steve Smith appeared first on BroBible.
ESPN Has Seemingly Already Found Its Replacement For Ryan Clark With Former NFL Superstar Steve Smith
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