ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark backtracked on comments he made the other day about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Clark called out Tagovailoa for gaining weight during the offseason to which the star QB responded to Clark by saying he should keep his name out his mouth.
Now Clark has come back and apologized claiming it was just a bad joke on his part and he meant no harm.
“Don’t get me wrong, my ego was involved,” Clark admitted.
When I decided to do TV I had 2 main priorities.
1. Respect all NFL players, coaches, executives and staff members.
2. Earn and keep the respect of those very same people.
Those priorities are important to me, and when I miss that mark, I have to hold myself accountable.… pic.twitter.com/YgZfcNPN8G
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 24, 2023
“But that’s the pride that doesn’t enable me to see what this dude’s going through — the constant criticism, scrutiny, and being questioned. The stress of always having to prove yourself just to show people you can be available,” he said.
Most fans on social media applauded Tua for taking a stance against Clark. There were some who thought Clark was in the right but even he admits now maybe he went too far.
But some fans wonder if Clark would have apologized if he didn’t receive so much blowback.
But would you have apologized if there was no blow back??
And you're an analyst now, you get paid for opinions, right or wrong.
— Matt Thompson (@sirgrinsley) August 25, 2023
Clark was praised by most fans for taking responsibility for his actions.
Right on bro. This is important and reminds those of us in this business that we must be better. Thanks RC for raising the bar again.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) August 24, 2023
Accountability is rare as hell in today’s society, so when you see it in a very real and pure way like this you gotta salute it. It’s only two words, but the value in a true “I’m sorry” from the heart is priceless.
Nothing but respect, RC.
— JustinTinsley (@JustinTinsley) August 24, 2023
But there are still others skeptical about Clark’s apology and question why did he say those words in the first place.
What exactly was your intention when you called him fat and lazy? I’d like to know how you meant for it to be received. Seems like you got caught hating and are trying to spin it in a positive direction with an apology that makes no sense. 🤷♂️
— Spinnable Sports (@SpinnableSports) August 24, 2023
Still, in the grand scheme of things, Clark did apologize. The question now is will Tagovailoa accept his apology?
