EXCLUSIVE: ESPN to part ways with Cam Newton as part of talent layoffs that also included Ryan Clark | OutKick - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News’ OutKick reported that ESPN is preparing to part ways with Cam Newton as part of a broader round of talent layoffs, citing multiple sources. The report said the cuts could be announced as soon as Tuesday and follows OutKick’s earlier reporting that NFL analyst Ryan Clark is also expected to be among the on-air employees affected.

Newton had appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” over the past two seasons, serving as a debate counterpart to Stephen A. Smith. According to OutKick, ESPN elevated Newton last season to fill the Monday football-season role previously held by Shannon Sharpe, a key slot for the program. The outlet reported that the network is expected to seek a permanent replacement for Newton on Monday editions.

The report also noted prior tension involving Newton and Smith. OutKick said the two had a public exchange last spring after Newton hosted Jason Whitlock on his podcast. Smith objected after Whitlock discussed claims about Smith’s 2023 memoir, while Newton responded that he did not believe there was anything he needed to correct.

If the reported departures are finalized, Smith would enter football season without two prominent ESPN NFL voices who had been part of the network’s debate programming. For context, Newton is widely known as a former NFL quarterback, and ESPN’s on-air changes come amid continued cost management across major sports media companies. OutKick described the item as a breaking news report and said more details may follow.