ESPN parts ways with Cam Newton and Ryan Clark amid layoffs
ESPN is reportedly parting ways with Cam Newton as part of a round of talent layoffs. Sources indicate that Newton, who served as a debate partner for Stephen A. Smith on “First Take,” will be included in these personnel changes. The network had elevated Newton to replace Shannon Sharpe as Smith’s primary Monday co-host during the football season, a period when the show typically sees its highest ratings.
The layoffs also include NFL analyst Ryan Clark, who was informed of his departure during a taping of “NFL Live.” Clark did not complete the program. According to sources, ESPN chose to inform him during the show due to media inquiries and concerns that the news would leak before he could be personally notified. Clark had been with ESPN for over a decade and was a regular on shows such as “First Take,” “Get Up,” and “NFL Live.” He also hosted his own podcast, “The Pivot.”
Reasons for the Layoffs
The job cuts at ESPN are largely a result of the company’s acquisition of NFL Network. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro stated in an internal memo that most of the job impacts are tied to this acquisition. The NFL sold its media entity, including its network, to ESPN in a deal that granted the NFL a 10% stake in the company. This acquisition was approved in January 2026.
Pitaro’s memo, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, explained that the company has been evaluating its collective teams, resources, and organizational structure to best position itself for the future following the integration of the NFL assets. He acknowledged that these evaluations led to difficult decisions regarding job impacts across the company.
While most of the layoffs are connected to the acquisition, some employees in other parts of the company are also being affected. ESPN typically conducts mass personnel moves during the summer. In June 2023, the company had high-profile layoffs that included names like Jeff Van Gundy, Trey Wingo, Todd McShay, Jalen Rose, and Keyshawn Johnson, following a mandate from parent company Disney to eliminate 7,000 jobs.
Impact on Programming
The departure of analysts such as Newton and Clark creates more airtime for newcomers from NFL Network on shows like “First Take.” For example, Kyle Brandt is expected to have a weekly role opposite Stephen A. Smith. Peter Schrager, who co-hosted “Good Morning Football” with Brandt on NFL Network for years, moved to ESPN in 2025, a move that signaled the upcoming integration between the two entities.
ESPN will be seeking a permanent replacement for Newton on the Monday editions of “First Take.” Newton and Smith had a public disagreement earlier in the spring after Newton invited Jason Whitlock onto his podcast. Smith had previously expressed strong dislike for Whitlock and criticized Newton for not defending him when Whitlock questioned claims in Smith’s 2023 memoir. Newton responded that he saw no reason to challenge Whitlock’s statements.
Clark’s departure also follows internal discussions regarding some of his choices, which reportedly peaked with an incident involving colleague Peter Schrager. On “Get Up” last September, Clark made a comment to Schrager, stating, “That’s the non-player in you,” after Schrager defended a player’s performance. Clark later issued an apology on social media for the interaction.
Despite these layoffs, ESPN has also seen some new hires and contract extensions this year. Six journalists who were laid off by the Washington Post in February have joined the company, and ESPN recently extended its contract with college football analyst Tim Tebow.
The layoffs are expected to include a small number of on-air personalities based at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, as well as a larger number of employees from NFL Network.
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Source: foxnews.com
