Ryan Clark has non-compete with ESPN through February; won’t return to network TV without ‘freedom’
Ryan Clark resurfaced very quickly after his untimely exit at ESPN over the summer, launching The Pivot Sports this week to cover the NFL season. Though Clark would seem to have a cushy setup with a Netflix-licensed interview podcast and now a live weekly show to break down games, he may not be done on network…
Ryan Clark recently returned to network television with his launch of The Pivot Sports, a sports interview podcast and weekly show, after being let go by ESPN. However, ESPN retains a non-compete clause in his contract through February, which will allow him to still earn money from them. Clark alleges that ESPN intentionally leaked news of his departure to Fox-owned Outkick, in an attempt to humiliate him.
He was famously notified of his dismissal during an appearance on NFL Live and watched as the network called him a "fired" employee on air. Clark believes that Outkick's role in the leak was intentional and meant to curry favor with ESPN. Clark has previously faced disciplinary actions for his outspoken opinions, including his defense of players such as Kyren Lacy and Angel Reese.
He now emphasizes the importance of having freedom to express himself and be true to his beliefs. While Clark seems to have found a loophole to continue covering football and staying in the public eye, it remains to be seen if he will return to network television.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
