Former ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth has a theory of why ESPN pulled Ryan Clark off the air during NFL . He believes ESPN simply didn’t trust Ryan Clark to stay quiet during the show.
What We Know: ESPN reportedly pulled Clark from NFL Live on Monday and told him he’d been laid off. Clark didn’t finish the broadcast after learning the news mid-show. Schlereth addressed the situation Tuesday on Stokley & Evans with Mark Schlereth on 104.3 The Fan. Following sharing his own example with the company, he suggested executives may have feared Clark might reveal his own firing live on air.
What They Said: (all quotes via 104.3 The Fan – Denver)
Mark Schlereth believes ESPN made the call because they didn’t trust Ryan Clark could not reveal the news on NFL: “I don’t think they felt comfortable that Ryan Clark would be able to hold that in. So, they let him go for the day and then pulled him off air before he had a chance.”
Mark Schlereth on how he’d prefer to find out he’s being laid off in that situation: “It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m going to work regardless. If had my [choice], I’d probably just find out on social media.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not confirmed any reporting on the nature of how they informed Clark of his departure from the network.
What It Means: Schlereth’s take adds a new layer to an already awkward exit for Ryan Clark. His personal experience with ESPN and FS1 and navigating the waters of being laid off provided his guide. While it’s not common for talent to find out their future live and in the moment while working on air, the example proves anything can happen. Meanwhile, Clark’s next move remains the bigger story.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.