Its been a tumultuous week for ESPN following the companys string of layoffs, and Ryan Clark is finally setting the record straight about his departure from the sports media giant.The former NFL stars layoff comes at the same time as several ESPN veterans like Karl Ravech and David Lloyd. However, Clarks exit continues to draw major blowback from several high-profile figures like Stephen A. Smith.MORE: Trey Wingo shows NFL Live viewership receipts after Ryan Clarks ESPN layoffClark re-joined The Pivot podcast this week to express his disappointment with ESPNs decision. Meanwhile, the former Pittsburgh Steelers player takes several shots at ESPN throughout his emotional endeavor.The ex-LSU Tigers standout spent over a decade with ESPN with various TV roles, including appearances on First Take, Get Up and most notably NFL Live.ESPN receives the brunt of his painFormer Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark laughs during a live taping of ESPNs First Take.The major point of contention comes with the wording of Clarks ESPN release. Its evident that the former NFL player believes he wasnt laid off.Let me put this to bed, I wasnt laid off. I was FIRED. {ESPN} is using laid off as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing. Ryan Clark on @thepivothttps://t.co/zFh7f20QXmpic.twitter.com/ZK1N5FaQ3z Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026Let me put this to bed, I wasnt laid off I was fired, Clark expresses on his podcast. ESPN is using laid off as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing.MORE: Nick Bosa takes victory lap over Ryan Clarks ESPN layoffThe accusations create an even bigger headache for ESPN after Clark continued with another serious claim. His belief is that the Worldwide Leader in Sports leaked his layoff to Outkick in order to create a negative narrative around his release.They were gonna get ahead of it by leaking it to someone who they know hated me, Clark stated.Ryan Clark is pouring his heart out on @thepivot right now. For 3 years we never shied away from any topic. We did this year I couldnt be too black. What makes me sad is, in even trying adjust to be more of what certain people wanted, they still fired me. pic.twitter.com/GHFe26YGj1 Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 24, 2026Emotions reach all-time highMeanwhile, the ex-Steeler showed serious vulnerability as he broke down in tears while speaking about being let go from his place of employment for over 11 years.MORE: Dan Le Batards hypocrisy is clear with latest Pat McAfee, ESPN claimClark also says that hes happy with his ability to be able to share conversations that help benefit the African American community.Its unclear whats next for the outspoken media figure, but his podcast is certainly a viable option. The Pivot boasts a wide YouTube audience that includes over 1.4 million subscribers on the platform.