ESPN’s Ryan Clark made some unsavory comments about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that really seemed to tick Tua off. Now he’s apologizing for it.
On Thursday, Clark made a video where he formally apologized to Tua for disrespecting his commitment to the game. He said that while he felt he was joking, it may not have seemed that way and he’s sorry for it.
“When I decided to do TV I had two main priorities,” Clark said. “One: Respect all NFL players, coaches, executives and staff members. Two: 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. This game is difficult. Players sacrifice so much to be a part of the 1-percent. I have a responsibility to those players to be thoughtful in the way I present my opinions of them. In joking about Tua Tagovailoa, I didn’t meet that responsibility. It was never my intention to question Tua’s work ethic or commitment to the game, but I’m also aware enough to know that intent, doesn’t always match impact. How something is presented isn’t always how it’s received by everyone. I do my best to be honest when executing my job as well as being honest when I fall short. I fell short on Monday and for that, I genuinely apologize.
“If I’ve offended you, Tua, if I hurt you, if I disrespected you, if anybody that supports and love you feels some sort of way because of what I said, I truly apologize.”
Fans have been showing Clark a lot of respect for having the wherewithal to apologize when he was so clearly in the wrong. Many have noted it’s something he does that many others in his field refuse to do.
Real man shit! When you realize something you said hurt someone and even if it wasn’t intent ain’t nothing wrong with saying I apologize ! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/481YRX8Qu7
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) August 24, 2023
We all wanted an apology and we got an apology. Respect for owning where you went wrong🤝 https://t.co/N8D9ebnssI
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) August 24, 2023
I totally respect this. Well done Ryan. 👏👏👏👏
*quietly deletes 5000 tweets already in drafts* 😂😂😂 https://t.co/tBet8tDu2X— I Ain’t Him (@Phincane) August 24, 2023
Unlike @stephenasmith Ryan does media correctly. Not just for views. He made a mistake and he corrected it. https://t.co/6yyL37bLo6
— Summer is not fun (@Deshaunbh) August 24, 2023
It seems to take a lot for anyone in media to apologize these days.
It’s good to know that there’s at least one person who’s willing to do so.