Ryan Clark is completely fed up with Aaron Rodgers.
The former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst branded the Jets' starting quarterback a “fraud” during an on-air debate on “First Take” on Friday.
Clark's harsh assessment came after Rodgers accused ESPN analysts of making outlandish statements to stay relevant, and Clark, a former Super Bowl champion, said: made the comments on “The Pat McAfee Show” earlier this week.
“I'm talking about experts on TV who no one remembers what they did in their careers,” Rodgers said on this week's show. “So in order for them to stay relevant, they need to make comments that allow them to participate in the conversation. That wasn't the case in 2008 or 2009. The 'Sports Center' of my youth, they made the highlights so much fun. And that's what they showed on “SportsCenter.”
“It's all about talk shows now, where people whose opinions are so valued believe they are now celebrities and are stars just for talking about sports and giving their opinions about sports. But a lot of it is baseless or baseless. As we all know, that's the environment we're in right now.”
On Friday, Mr. Clark did not hold back and accused Mr. Rogers of hypocrisy.
“You have the opportunity to say these stupid things because someone is paying you – the very same people you are accusing,” Clark said.
He added: “This man is a fraud. He was a fraud. He acts like he's above everyone.”
Clark also found irony in Rodgers' comments, especially on McAfee's show.
McAfee's show will be broadcast specifically on ESPN.
“I think it's very funny that he's saying this on a show with someone who was a great punter but is much more famous as a pundit than Pat McAfee,” Clark said.
“The fact of the matter is, Aaron Rodgers, you're being paid as a personality to be on that show and express your thoughts and opinions,” Clark said. “Don't get me wrong, he's not only a first-ballot Hall of Famer to me, he's one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play this game, and he's now plug.
Clark added: “And his problem… is that people say that so easily.”
This is not the first time Mr. Clark has publicly criticized Mr. Rogers.
In October, Clark questioned Rodgers' leadership, saying, “Rodgers has all the talent in the world, but he lacks the kind of great leadership ability that elevates a locker room.”
The interaction with Clark highlights the scrutiny Rodgers continues to face during his time with the Jets.
Rodgers and the Jets will face the Jaguars on Sunday in a 3-on-10 team battle.
