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Former ESPN Personality Accuses Ryan Clark Of Race-Baiting Viewers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 1:28 PM ET

ESPN analyst Ryan Clark offered a controversial theory as to why Shedeur Sanders' draft stock is taking a hit this month.

It was previously reported that Sanders came across as "arrogant" and "brash" during his interviews at the NFL Combine. Some people apparently disliked his remarks about changing a franchise's culture. The Colorado quarterback told reporters, "We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back to back, so you don't think I can come to an NFL franchise and change a program again."

During a recent episode of "First Take," Clark suggested that Sanders is being penalized by scouts simply because of his race.

"It's not just about him being Deion Sanders' son," Clark said. "It's about the bravado he carries. It's about the fact that he looks a certain way. It is about the fact that the color of his skin sometimes at the position can be questioned."

Former "SportsCenter" anchor Sage Steele didn't appreciate these remarks from Clark.

On Thursday night, Steele called out Clark on social media for playing the "race card" on national television.

"At what point does playing the race card get old??? It’s exhausting. And takes away from legitimate instances of racism," Steele wrote on X.

Clark has not yet responded to Steele. It'll be interesting to see what he has to say for himself.

Judging by the responses to Steele's social media post, several people agree that Clark was flat out wrong in this situation. And besides, Sanders is still projected to be a first-round pick.

In his final season of college football, Sanders completed 74.0 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It'll be interesting to see where he begins his NFL career.

The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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