ESPN analyst Ryan Clark recently addressed a lawsuit filed by former colleague Sage Steele, who accused him of refusing to work with her due to their differing political views. Clark appeared on “The Michele Tafoya Show” and admitted that part of Steele’s accusation was true, but he felt the need to clarify the situation.
Steele had made controversial comments on a podcast in 2021, stating that former President Barack Obama chose to identify as Black on a census form despite his White mother and grandmother raising him. Clark disagreed with Steele’s comments and felt they were disrespectful to Obama’s identity.
Clark revealed that he had spoken with a producer at ESPN about hosting a segment with Steele, but his discomfort with her comments led him to request that another host, Matt Barrie, conduct the segment instead. Clark explained that he wanted to avoid any on-screen discomfort or tension.
Despite their differing political views, Clark stated that he had no issue with Steele being a conservative and that they were able to work together cordially until she left ESPN. However, they no longer speak, and Clark wishes her well in her future endeavors.
Clark’s comments suggest that while he may have disagreed with Steele’s views, he understood her right to have a voice and a passion, even if it differed from his own.
