Ryan Clark made his stance clear. He doesn’t believe all attention is worth chasing. During a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, Clark addressed the fallout surrounding comments from Cam Newton and his decision to host Jason Whitlock.
The discussion, which also featured Fred Taylor, offered insight into how both former players view content creation in today’s media landscape. Clark emphasized that his approach to content is rooted in intention, not reaction.
“I never want to be tied into no buffoonery, ever,” Clark said. “I don’t believe all content is good content. I don’t believe all publicity is good publicity. I don’t think we have to be gossipy. I don’t think we have to be messy. I don’t think we have to always be chaotic. I don’t always think that we have to create some level of drama. I don’t want to be that person. If that’s what I got to be for you to like me, I rather not be liked.”
Ryan Clark, who recently questioned Newton’s loyalty to Stephen A. Smith after Newton hosted Blaze TV and Smith critic Jason Whitlock on his podcast. Clark’s criticism, posted on social media, suggested Newton crossed a line by giving a platform to someone who has publicly taken shots at Smith. Newton, however, rejected that premise outright.
Clark expanded on that philosophy by outlining what he aims to avoid when building his platform. He stressed that conversations can still be meaningful without promoting harmful rhetoric.
“I don’t want to platform evil. I don’t want to platform hate. I don’t want to platform dissension, just because,” Clark said. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want to have conversations with people I don’t agree with.”
Clark pointed to past episodes where differing political views did not prevent productive dialogue. However, he acknowledged that guest selection carries responsibility. He said he has begun to reevaluate certain decisions to ensure respect for his audience remains intact.
While Clark focused on principles, Taylor approached the situation through the lens of relationships. He referenced Stephen A. Smith and the opportunities the ESPN host has created for others, including Newton.
“Stephen A has given so many people opportunities at that network,” Taylor said. “I also know that he’s extended the opportunity to Cam [Newton]. That’s the part that I think is more saddening or more disappointing. If I’m your friend, I say, come to my house. Then you come to my house, then you bring somebody in my house that you probably got some sort of inkling that we don’t really see eye to eye or mesh well. That’s a bad look.”
Taylor clarified that Newton has the right to run his platform as he chooses. Still, he admitted he would have handled the situation differently.
“I didn’t necessarily agree with Cam having him on his platform, but it ain’t my place. It’s Cam’s. I can’t look Jason Whitlock in the face because I don’t see the human there. I see a clout chaser and somebody who does anything for anything. That’s a whole different conversation. Media is messy, and that’s what it is,” Taylor said. “I just thought it was a bad look. I wouldn’t have done it.”
The conversation was just the latest step in a heated and very public back and forth between some of sports media’s mots visible personalities. On one side, creators like Newton emphasize independence and open dialogue. On the other, voices like Clark and Taylor stress accountability and the importance of professional relationships.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
