Sports media world sounds off about ESPN and NFL Network layoffs

Ryan Clark speaks out

Clark also shared a message on his social media Tuesday morning, offering uplifting words to those being affected by the cuts made by ESPN.

"Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now.  My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!"

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith also took to social media to express his displeasure with the company letting go of Clark out of nowhere.

Karl Ravech and others were not directly informed

As for the aforementioned Ravech and Lloyd, according to The Athletic, they were each informed via a phone call asking for confirmation, rather than being directly informed by ESPN.

Ravech had been with ESPN since 1993 and was just on the network, broadcasting a Monday night matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Lloyd had been with ESPN since 1997 and was approaching his 30th anniversary with the company.

What are the next steps for ESPN?

ESPN will have big shoes to fill in the future, especially with Clark's absence on NFL Live, as well as having to replace Ravech for MLB, College Baseball and the Little League World Series.

It begs the question of whether the millions of dollars being paid to Pat McAfee and his show members are really worth losing some of the brightest minds in the sports media world.