Ryan Clark is once again walking back his words, and this time, it's over a tragedy that never should have been turned into a headline in the first place.
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The longtime ESPN analyst apologized Thursday after wrongly declaring former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy "innocent" in connection with a fatal 2024 crash. Clark, who knew Lacy personally, made the claim earlier this week on SportsCenter after airing footage provided by Lacy's attorney — footage that he said cleared his friend's name.
It didn't.
The Louisiana State Police released new video this week showing Lacy's green Dodge Charger speeding in the wrong lane just before the collision that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall. The official video also included officer bodycam footage and witness statements, all describing Lacy's reckless driving. It contradicted almost everything Clark had said on air.
Lacy later took his own life in April, days before a grand jury was set to hear evidence in the case.
JUST IN: New video evidence appears to contradict claims made by ESPN announcers and the lawyer for LSU star Kyren Lacy for his alleged part in a deadly 2024 car crash.
Lacy sadly took his own life following a deadly car accident in December of 2024.
Lacy's attorney, Matthew… pic.twitter.com/OP5dQXcrf3
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 7, 2025
"In full transparency, y'all, I knew Kyren Lacy personally, but nothing matters to me more than the truth," Clark said Thursday on First Take. "I always strive to mix authenticity with the most complete and up-to-date information available. I failed to do that on Monday night."
Scott Van Pelt, who co-signed Clark's earlier comments, also issued an apology on Wednesday's SportsCenter.
It's not the first time Clark has had to backpedal after jumping into a sensitive story before all the facts were in. And this one might sting the most. Declaring innocence on live television — and blaming law enforcement for alleged corruption — without verifying evidence is a serious mistake, especially for someone with Clark's platform and influence.
ESPN has not commented on the situation, but the damage is done. Clark may have meant well, but he spoke with conviction where caution was needed. In this case, the truth caught up and it hit a lot harder than any football ever did.
"I knew Kyren Lacy personally...it's always important to me that I gather all factual and important information to provide the complete story...and when discussed in real time on Monday evening, I failed to do so. And for that, I apologize." - Ryan Clark pic.twitter.com/QnooNsHGND
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 9, 2025
