"Ryan has no issue with Stephen A. Smith, so I, by proxy, have no issue with Stephen A.
Smith," Acho said on Speakeasy.
Acho suggested that Smith possessed sufficient standing with corporate leadership to intervene on Clark's behalf.
"But Stephen A. Smith could have stopped this.
And that's what's weird to me about seeing this apology is, Stephen A.
, you both have enough power to go to the executives and say, 'I don't want him to get fired.'
And B, you've enough power and fiscal responsibility and freedom to say, 'I'll do whatever is in my power to make sure they don't stop this,'" Acho said.
Media commentator Jason Whitlock echoed similar sentiments, arguing that individual influence remains limited against corporate decisions.
"Ryan Clark got fired, laid off. Stephen A.
Smith, the man with the $100 million contract, couldn't save Ryan Clark. Stephen A.
Smith's leverage is a magic trick. It's loud, it's shiny.
It works on the audience. It does not move one executive," Whitlock said.
Clark subsequently posted a message on social media Tuesday morning, offering support to fellow laid-off workers and stating that he was prepared to move forward.
