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    Stephen A. Smith reveals true feelings Ryan Clark firing as ESPN axes “best analyst” during live show

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    NFL analyst Ryan Clark was let go by ESPN on Monday amid the ongoing layoffs. The network has also reportedly laid off former MVP Cam Newton and NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

    Clark joined ESPN in 2015 following his retirement from the NFL. Following the former NFL star’s layoff, his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith reflected on the decision.

    Smith reflected on the speculation about Clark being informed about his layoff during the “NFL Live” segment on Monday.

    “There’s a lot of noise circulating throughout social media and beyond about how he found out… I don’t know all those details and to be quite honest with you, I don’t care. What I care about is that my brother Ryan Clark. A person that I consider to be arguably the best NFL analyst in America, is no longer a member of ESPN.

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    “I can’t even tell y’all how much that hurts. I am not happy about this decision one bit. The bosses know I’m not happy about this decision. I’ve made that very clear.”

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    ESPN acquired the NFL Network in January. While the NFL sold its media entity to ESPN, it gave the NFL a 10% stake in the company. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro confirmed on Tuesday that the job cuts are because of the acquisition.

    Stephen A. Smith revealed he wanted to “keep” Ryan Clark amid ESPN layoffs

    While Ryan Clark was reportedly taken off air from “NFL Live” on Monday, Stephen A. Smith said he knew about the decision beforehand. The veteran analyst said he wanted to “keep them” from being laid off.

    “Was I asked what I thought, what my feelings were? Yes, I was. Of course I said we have to keep them,” Smith said on Tuesday. “But I don’t get to make those decisions.

    “And I don’t get to ignore the fiscal and financial circumstances and ultimate ramifications that come with the job. That’s for the dudes way above me and the ladies. Decisions like this, I would imagine, don’t come easy.”

    During his 11 years with ESPN, Clark became a feature of First Take, NFL Live and Get Up on the network.