Dave Portnoy Criticizes ESPN's Ryan Clark Over On-Air Dispute

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy strongly criticized ESPN analyst Ryan Clark following Clark's on-air dismissal of reporter Peter Schrager during a debate on ESPN's "Get Up," where Clark told Schrager, "That's the non-player in you." Schrager pushed back against Clark's comment, which sparked widespread backlash and led to Clark issuing an apology. Portnoy condemned Clark as "one of the all-time jerks in the history of mankind" and labeled him a "race-baiter," referencing Clark's history of stirring controversy and apologizing afterward, including a prior incident involving racial remarks about Robert Griffin III. Portnoy challenged Clark's belief that only former players should have valid football opinions, arguing that many who played the game were ineffective and emphasizing that observing or being around sports also qualifies one to contribute meaningfully. The incident has reportedly strained Clark's standing at ESPN amid rising tensions behind the scenes. Portnoy voiced his support for those without playing experience, underscoring that having an opinion does not require playing the sport professionally.