Ryan Clark Says He Was Targeted at ESPN + The Usher Fan Everyone's Debating

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Ryan Clark Says He Was Targeted at ESPN + The Usher Fan Everyone's Debating

Date: July 27, 2026
Hosts: The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts – DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren LaRosa
Episode Theme: Examining vulnerability in the workplace, belonging on major platforms, media industry challenges, and viral moments in pop culture.

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into two central stories shaking up pop culture and sports media: Ryan Clark’s emotional revelations about his exit from ESPN and claims of being targeted, and a viral debate surrounding a fan’s lackluster on-stage moment with Usher. Alongside these, the hosts touch on finding personal balance, the meaning of belonging, and the realities of life in entertainment.

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Main Discussion Points

1. Lauren LaRosa’s Personal Check-In: Finding Balance & Belonging

Timestamps: [02:33] – [18:22]

• Mental Health & Balance: Lauren shares her struggle between work grind and taking breaks, describing feeling "in between" states emotionally after a restorative weekend.
  • "I'm feeling in between...I'm learning how to disconnect, or not, but I'm feeling in between because I feel like I had such a great weekend disconnecting." – Lauren LaRosa [02:58]
• Self-Reflection: Lauren discusses overcoming guilt about self-care and defines this as a new strategy for sustained quality in her work and life.
• Belonging & Imposter Syndrome: A clip from her mentor Ms. Lori Hay’s church talk is played, exploring the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and the personal "bait" that lures individuals into doubt or overcontrol.
  • "What is that thing that you bite every time the enemy is in your ear saying something?" – Ms. Lori Hay [07:28]
  • Lauren reflects on always associating self-worth with achievements: "I've literally always been just as good as my last story, all of my...or my last job, all of my life." [14:48]
• Lessons from Charlamagne: Lauren admires Charlamagne’s ability to celebrate life milestones authentically—like his Hollywood Walk of Fame star—while remaining grounded in personal joy rather than outward validation.
  • "He wasn't even caught up off all that. He's just been so excited to live life and experience things in real time." [18:22]
• Ongoing Growth: Lauren encourages listeners to reflect on their core motivations and values, not just transactional definitions of belonging.

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2. Ryan Clark Opens Up About ESPN Exit

Timestamps: [29:34] – [37:27]

• Background: Ryan Clark, a decade-long ESPN analyst and Super Bowl champion, discusses his departure from ESPN on his podcast, "The Pivot".
  • He reveals he was informed during a TV break, which left him feeling blindsided.
• Targeted at ESPN: Ryan claims his firing was not simply a layoff, but felt targeted because of his identity as a Black man in sports media.
  • "I truly thought for the first time in my life, I worked so hard at something...that they couldn't fire me, that they wouldn't fire me…who truly wants to put their best foot forward...wouldn't fire...the best football analyst in the world." – Ryan Clark [31:50]
• Vulnerability & Adaptation: He breaks down over adjusting his behavior just to keep his job, suppressing aspects of his authentic self to fit network expectations.
  • "I did adjust who I was to try to keep my job...I knew, for lack of a better word, I couldn't be too Black." – Ryan Clark [34:07]
• Insider Perspective: Ryan recounts missing recognition for achievements (such as a diversity award) and sensing from subtle cues that his standing was threatened.
• Media Spin & Discrepancies: Discussion on media coverage (including TMZ) regarding whether Clark’s exit was voluntary or externally forced, with Clark disputing claims against his account.

Host Commentary:

• Lauren perceives the conversation as honest and vulnerable but expresses a desire for more unfiltered details about institutional challenges at ESPN, especially concerning treatment of Black talent.

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3. Pop Culture Debate: Usher's Viral Fan Moment

Timestamps: [42:40] – [47:38]

• Viral Moment: Usher calls a female fan on stage in Nashville, but she gives a surprisingly muted reaction, sparking intense debate on social media.
  • Usher: "I don't think she wants to be on the stage.” [43:12]
• Public Backlash: The fan, a nurse with a boyfriend and child, is harassed after the event for "wasting" the opportunity to interact with Usher, while her family defends her online. She says: "Even people harassing me while I was walking out of the stadium..." [44:34]
• Host Analysis: Lauren paints a vivid scene and sympathizes with the pressures faced by fans in these viral moments. She questions the expectations put on women in these situations and whether it’s worth going on stage if unable/unwilling to participate in the performance aspect.
  • "If my man is at home, I'm not getting on the stage to participate. I'm just not doing it.” [46:38]
• Broader Impact: Lauren points out the snowball effect on the next fans called up—heightened expectations due to social media virality and celebrity culture.

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4. Mini Spotlight: 50 Cent's New Show "Fightland"

Timestamps: [11:30] and recurring ad-style segments

• Quick interview snippets with DJ Envy and an unnamed "Fightland" executive producer.
• Show Description: UK-based family crime drama, with top-tier production, jumping across timelines, and distinct from "Power."
  • "This one's gonna feel like it's a grade better than what I did in Power. I promise that." – Actor/Producer [12:05, 26:25, 39:34]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Lauren LaRosa, on self-worth:
  "I've literally always been just as good as my last story, all of my...or my last job, all of my life." [14:48]
• Ms. Lori Hay, on vulnerability:
  "What is that thing that you bite every time the enemy is in your ear saying something?" [07:28]
• Ryan Clark on targeting:
  "I did adjust who I was to try to keep my job...I knew, for lack of a better word, I couldn't be too Black." [34:07]
• Fan Experience at Usher Concert:
  "Even people harassing me while I was walking out of the stadium..." [44:34]
• Lauren, on public pressure:
  "The next young lady that goes up there, baby, it's some pressure on you, okay? Because Miss cute little nurse from Chattanooga, Tennessee, then mess it up for the girls. Now you gotta give their show improvement." [47:38]

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Key Takeaways

• Vulnerability in High-Visibility Careers: Both Lauren and Ryan’s stories highlight the tension between authenticity and the need to fit into institutional molds, often requiring personal compromise, especially for Black professionals in media.
• Modern Celebrity Culture: The Usher concert incident illustrates how social media expectations and instant virality put immense pressure on everyday people swept into the public eye.
• Conversations That Matter: The episode ultimately encourages deeper, honest conversations about identity, worth, and belonging—both on and off the public stage.

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Recommended Listening Points

• [06:42] – Ms. Lori Hay on "the bait" and faith
• [14:48] – Lauren reflects on self-worth tied to achievement
• [31:50] – Ryan Clark describes signs of being targeted at ESPN
• [34:07] – Ryan Clark on having to "not be too Black" at ESPN
• [43:12] – Usher's on-stage moment with timid fan and aftermath discussion

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Podcast Tone:
Conversational, introspective, honest, motivational with cultural critique.
Perfect For:
Anyone passionate about sports media representation, pop culture debates, or navigating high-pressure environments as a Black professional.

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Transcript

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[Lauren LaRosa (alternate or ad read)]

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[Lauren LaRosa (alternate or ad read)]

You know she don't lie about that, right?

[Lauren LaRosa]

Lauren came in hot. Hey, y'. All, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily take on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all, all of the conversation that shakes the room, baby. So today and every day here on the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. You guys know we check in behind the scenes of the grind.

[DJ Envy]

Back on the grind.

[Lauren LaRosa]

So back here, kicking off another work week, how am I feeling today? I am feeling in between. H. That's a good. Those are good two words to describe how I'm feeling today. It's like I'm feeling very well rested. I took the weekend to just do that, spend some time with family as well too. But I'm learning. Y' all know, I'll be in and out of learning how to disconnect or not, but I'm feeling in between because I feel like I had such a great weekend disconnecting. And then it's like, y' all know Monday is like such a big news day. If you don't know it is. Monday is a really big news day because there's so much that happens over the weekend. Even though the weekend is typically slower, A lot more things happen during the week because you have, like, you know, different filings, everything from divorces to, you know, if cases are going down. Civil criminal things just move a bit faster during the week. But Sunday came after I spent Friday and Saturday just really relaxing. I told you guys in the last episode, you know, I developed this plan of, like, here's how I'mma get things. You know, I'm trying to, like, get a well oiled machine running. And I feel like if I can do it myself internally and personally first, that's what will reflect in what I'm able to do and articulate across my team, which is really important to me now that I'm like, working with people on a daily basis. On a daily basis as a team, I want to make sure that we're actually progressing and executing and getting things done. And I know it starts from the top, so I'm in between because it's like, all right, you take this little break. I've gotten way past the feeling of feeling guilty because I'm taking time for myself, whether it's I stopped answering my phone for an hour or two or I decided that I'm going to say no to attending some things, whatever the case may be. I used to feel really, really guilty about that, Stu. Now I don't now I feel like it's more of strategy. Like, where do I need to be and why do I need to be there? Because it is important for me to be outside and on the ground right now. But, like, I think that there's a very much good quality over quantity conversation when it comes to picking and choosing those things. But the in between comes in because it's like after you do all that, after you take the break, a part of me, I'm. I'm used to operating at such a. I don't take those breaks type of, you know, feeling that, like, I'm all. I woke up this morning feeling like, ugh, am I fully prepared for the day? Am I fully prepared for the week? I didn't spend the weekend basking and, you know, being overthrown and all of the work things and all the stuff. I probably took calls this weekend. I was really intentional because I felt like last week the wake up time was kicking my behind, so I wanted to be able to, like, catch up with myself a bit. But yeah, you just feel in between because what you're used to doing, I really. What you're used to doing. Let me finish the thought. What you're used to doing, you're no longer doing. So your body, your mind, everybody around you is used to you operating in a certain way. And then you start to change that. But everything around you may not change right away. So you're kind of in this in between space of like, here's what I'm trying to get to, here's the balance I'm trying to get to, and here's what I'm coming from. But I'm taking it to church again in the check in, my mentor, Ms. Lori Hay, she spoke at my church Seeds of Greatness over the weekend. And she talked about, like, belonging and basically what you believe is what you feed or what you feed is what you believe type of thing, right? Like, let's take a listen to a clip from Ms. Laura Hayes about the idea of belonging. Kind of like the fitting in conversation and like, almost like imposter syndrome too. Let's take a listen.

[Ms. Lori Hay]

How many of y' all experienced some beef with Eve every now and then?

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Again,

[Ms. Lori Hay]

that was until I kept reading and I read a little further and it said she wasn't just enticed by the fruit, she was enticed by knowing. And then I felt conviction because I don't know if you're like me, but I went through a season of I gotta know, God, I gotta know how you gonna work this out. God, I gotta know how you gonna come through.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Tell me.

[Ms. Lori Hay]

Tell me now. And then I bite the fruit. And now I'm trying to fix it.

[Lauren LaRosa]

What's your bait?

[Ms. Lori Hay]

What is that thing that you bite every time that the enemy is in your ear saying something? Did he really say it that way? Did he really say you have to attend church? Did he really say you should serve? Did he really say you should give to the church? They just want your money? What's the bait that he's using? I was having a conversation with my husband and I was like, I kind of don't even want to say what my bait is. And then I realized, oh, you almost got me. Because what I thought was I was keeping a secret from the enemy if I didn't say it. But he already knows because he been using it. I'm the one that was ignorant. I'm the one that couldn't recognize how he was using it. I'm the one that noticed it. He knows you come for my children. Oh my gosh, I'm a different person. And when I recognized that thing and I said, oh, I've been taking the bait. I've been concerned about how it was going to happen.

[Sprite Living Track List Host]

Come on.

[Ms. Lori Hay]

I've been worried about it. Identify with yourself. Now, I'm a teacher, so by trade and by calling as you're sitting there and if you're taking notes even in your head, in your phone, I want you to identify what's the bait he's been using? What has he been using to try and get you to be this person that is just always in control. This person that is anxious about everything. This person that is depressed about everything. This person that is controlling to the point that your kids don't even want to be around you because you so controlling. Your husband, your wife don't want to be around you because you got to be in control of everything instead of you saying, hold on, baby, let's go to God and see what we going to do. And we're letting the enemy in our ear. He's saying all these things to us and we're just allowing it to happen.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yo, I was scrolling through the Sprite Living track list the other day and immediately started arguing with myself. It was wild. Because records like California Love still not a player and back then are so much more than words and songs. There are moments, they are memories. They're snapshots of where hip hop was and where it's going. That's what Sprite gets. They've spent over 40 years celebrating artists who define the culture, and now they're turning the conversation over to the fans. And if you're like me, the real fun is getting into the why. Why did this song matter? Why did this line hit? Why did it change hip hop forever? Now, I can't promise you any answers, but with Sprite you will have a good time figuring it out. Check out the Sprite Living Track List and break down the stories behind your favorite bars@livingtracklist. Genius.com this is the Sprite Living Track List. Obey your thirst.

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[DJ Envy]

What up, y', all? It's DJ Envy. We're at the premiere of Fightland, executive produced by my guy, 50 Cent.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Now listen, you know you've done a lot on it over here. America decided to go to UK for this one.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, this one is different.

[DJ Envy]

So break it down. For people that haven't seen it, it comes out the 31st. So tell us about Fightland.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, it's exciting. This one is a UK based show. I got Ottawa Bathurst to direct it. So the first two episodes he did really dope. And then I got like the other guys that I got to do throughout the season. It's like, top notch, bro. So you're gonna see this one's gonna feel like it's a grade better than what I did like in Power.

[DJ Envy]

Really?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

I promise that.

[DJ Envy]

Now, for people that haven't seen it yet, it comes out July 31st. Fightland. How would you describe fighting?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

I say it's a family crime drama.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Right. And it has an intensity and action that you would, you would, you would feel you received in the action film. And it does things that the other series don't do because we kind of jump timelines throughout the episodes and stuff like this. So you'll see things and go, oh, like things flashing back and things going to different, you know, backwards and forwards.

[DJ Envy]

I seen the first episode. I didn't see you in it. Are you in this season or are you at any season or. No, because usually we'll get a pop up, a 50, a pop up here and there. Are you in Fightland at all?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No. I might have to work on my British accent.

[DJ Envy]

Have you tried?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No, no, I did. I. Well, I would have to work on it to do it, to get in this little bit.

[DJ Envy]

What keeps you motivated to do it? You don't need the money. It's just like at this point, what is it for?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Nah, it's cool creatively, like. No, no project is great because of one person. It's a collective, you know what I mean? And what I get a chance to do is communicate what they feel to the network before it gets like. Then they start developing reputations of being difficult or doing things, but they're comfortable expressing how they feel, you know, now I'm at a stage where I can, you know, finance and license the project instead of giving it to the networks for them to own.

[DJ Envy]

The series premiere of Fightland drops July 31st only on Starz, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays. This message is brought to you by

[Lauren LaRosa]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

So I was watching this sermon over the weekend and I was like trying to figure out like I knew that it hit me in several different places in my life and whenever I'm like watching sermons or even if I'm just listening to people speak or in conversations with people, I always walk away thinking about what I actually have happening on a day to day in my life and what God is bringing to my front door about that and why. Like what is the message? How is it supposed to hit me? How's it supposed to land with me? Supposed to smack me in my face with something? But what is it? So from her conversation just in me, you know, trying to find balance and what I've been talking to you guys, a lot is about, a lot is change. I feel things about myself changing even though I can't articulate everything. So as I'm trying to figure out what those things are that are changing, why they're changing and how to incorporate it in my day to day and incorporate it and people I interact with and or not anymore. A lot of times you just kind of feel like, well who are you to be doing all this? And it's like, but who are you not to be? And that's what I've been having a conversation about with myself. It's like, there's nothing wrong with you being like I'mma take a weekend and just enjoy life like you taking 48 hours to just breathe, eat some crabs with your family, get off your phone. And I've been really good about this. I've done this for at least two weekends in a row. I'm proud of myself. Even Sunday morning for breakfast I was like, me and my boyfriend went to breakfast and I was like, let's do a no phones breakfast. And he was like, you are going to die without that phone. Like you gonna be itching by the end of breakfast. And I was like, no, let's do it. I just think now I'm realizing how much more valuable thought, opinion, workflow and execution is at a high level when you really take the time for yourself to understand who you are in a situation and to really understand that you belong in a situation no matter what you can or can't produce. I've literally always been just as good as my last story, all of my or my last job, all of my life. And that's so crazy for me to say out loud, but when I was listening to Ms. Hayes talk about belonging and she was talking about this thing that she was fighting with herself about admitting out loud and fighting with admitting out loud because, like, you don't want the devil to hear that and. And be able to lean in and. And just do more with it. And I think that's why I've never really talked about it as well. It. It's masked in success. It's mask and always think you gotta be right. It's masking so much stuff. I was sitting and just downloading so much, and I'm like, girl, you've been operating as such a. I always have to put points on the board forever, Literally forever. And a lot of that is fear. Like, you know, for me, it's a lot of. I want to be able to, like, make sure I'm financially straight. I want to make sure that I'm able to do things for myself that even, like, my mom couldn't do, my grandmother couldn't do. I want to make sure they're good as they get older in age and the things that they've worked for, you know, they're living off of and they need things replenished. I want to be able to, like, really be comfortable and enjoy my children and my family when I get to that point.

[Ms. Lori Hay]

And.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And for me, the idea of that was always a number, like a money number. And then I heard this mis. And I mean. And so much in my life has been changing so fast recently, and I think I've been really having to get in tune with myself because I don't know what God is preparing me for y', all, but I'm trying to tell y'.

[Advertisement or filler speaker]

All.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It's so weird. It's like being on a platform where you're so available to everyone else will make you. You're in taking so much. You're intaking so much criticism, so much thought, so much opinions, so much reaction to things. And you're also. Well, for me, because I'm a producer, I'm also a part of the nucleus that is creating that, right? Like, creating the reaction, creating the thoughts, creating the news sometimes. And you get caught up on that of like. Like, that's how I show improve. Like, the reaction of other people, the emotional invoking of other people. And the more I'm around people who operate at a high level and actually enjoy their life and the level that they're at, I realize that, like, it's not just about your last job, your last win, your last W in the chat. Like, I literally think back to Charlemagne. So last Thursday, July, what's the date? Last Thursday, July. Last Thursday, July 23, it was announced that Charlemagne will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is amongst 32 people who were selected out of hundreds of people, including, you know, Kiki Palmer, Raven Simone, Lil Wayne, Grandmaster Flash, Idris Elba. Like, you know, he's a part of this great class of people who are going to do something as major as receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And I remember when I got the news alert about that because I subscribed to every platform you can imagine via my phone. And then, you know, families putting it in group text. And our ep, Eddie sent it to me, the Breakfast Club executive producer sent it to me to make sure we, you know, got it to talk about in the show the next day. Just making sure I saw it. And I remember my first thought was, he's so excited right now just about enjoying his summer with his family. He keeps calling it a dopamine rush, but, like, you know, being out at Jay Z and seeing him excited there and then, you know, taking weekend, you know, staycations away with his family, and his daughter is about to go to college soon and, you know, prom, and all these things happen. Like this summer for him, going to go see Jeezy and Mary with his wife and having a date weekend this summer. I've literally said to him, like, I love this little summer you having, you outside, you having a good time, like, you are really enjoying your life. And for me, I know right now I'm in a building phase, like Charlamagne, 200 million up, all right? I'm in a building phase. I'm in a different phase of my life where right now, what I'm doing, and I do enjoy a lot of it. I've had to teach myself even that, to enjoy things as they're happening, even though I'm on such, you know, I'm boots on the ground right now. I'm really. I'm in the thick of the grind, and I enjoy that. But what I've had to talk myself through is you're not prevailing through the grind. You're not surviving to learn how to live. Because this is just. Because your last story was great. You're surviving and you're learning now how to live because that is what God already had destined for you. You're in this room. You, you know, on this platform, this podcast, you have the Latest with Lauren LaRosa and these listeners that download because it's above you, girl. So, you know, my check in today, how am I really feeling how are y' all really feeling? And if anybody's going through that, like, phase of life where I don't know if it's change or if I'm getting older, I don't know what it is. But I have just been looking for, like, the deeper purpose of, like, my existence. Not, like, oh, my God, what is my existence on this earth? Like, you know, like, not all of that. Like, you know how people think God and think the universe. Like, I'm not all, like, floaty like that. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that I've really been having a conversation with myself about, like, my belonging and questioning why I think I have to give to belong. Like, why is that transactional in my mind? And as that changes for me and I become firmer in, like, no, this is like, I'm here, like, and I'm here because I do what I need to do to be here. What that looks like for me as far as, like, you know, how it is portrayed in my work. So that's where I've been at with it. And that's the kind of, like, middle point in between point that I'm telling you guys about, because, like, even taking a break and just being able to enjoy certain things, I used to always feel like going back home to Delaware when I lived in LA was, like, so grounding for me. Like, I would. I would leave and I'd be motivated to get back to la, motivated to get back to work, motivated, all these things. But now it's like, I leave Delaware and I'm motivated to get back to work, and I'm motivated to get, you know, to all the things. But I leave and I'm. And I leave family and not even just Delaware, but, like, any interactions with people that, like, are in my life that, like, I love and I love to hear from and I love to have conversations with, thinking about so much more substance of things. Like what I told you guys with Charlamagne. Like, to me, the. One of the most flyest things about him receiving that Walk of Fame star announcement last week was the fact that I knew in real life he wasn't even caught up off all that. He was literally. He's just been so excited to live life and experience things in real time. And as I'm learning to be a personality and I'm watching, you know, Charlamagne envy, you know, just navigate. Like, me and Jess are literally here, learning from them. And I say here because I'm in the Breakfast Club studio recording this podcast I watch how like that real life goes into everything goes across everything that they do. Now this brings me to where we gonna go on the latest today. Yo, I was scrolling through the Sprite Living track list the other day and immediately started arguing with myself. It was wild because records like California Love Still Not a Player and Back Then are so much more than words and songs. They are moments, they are memories. They there are snapshots of where hip hop was and where it's going. That's what Sprite gets. They've spent over 40 years celebrating artists who define the culture and now they're turning a conversation over to the fans. And if you're like me, the real fun is getting into the why. Why did this song matter? Why did this line hit? Why did it change hip hop forever? Now I can't promise you any answers, but with Sprite you will have a good time figuring it out. Check out the Sprite Living track list and break down the stories behind your favorite bars@livingtracklist. Genius.com this is the Sprite Living track list.

[Target Campaign Voiceover]

Obey your thirst Back to School shopping is about more than just checking off a list. It's about helping kids feel confident walking into a new school year. Whether it's a favorite notebook, a cool backpack, or the perfect pair of shoes, Target is there to make a big difference. Target is showing up for families this back to school season with a huge variety of school supplies, apparel and accessories that help kids do their thing and express their personal style. And with low prices all season long, parents can feel good about getting everything they need at a great value. Think backpacks starting in just $5 and save up to 60% on school supplies. Plus, Target has the brands and collaborations kids are excited about, including Love Shack, Fancy Cat and Jack Overtime and even personalized Oala bottles with stickers, charms and more. With the prices parents want and the brands kids love, Target has everything you need for back to school shopping all in one place. Because when kids feel confident heading into the school year, parents feel good too.

[DJ Envy]

What up y', all, it's Dej Envy. We're at the premiere of Fightland, executive produced by my guy 50 Cent. Yeah, now listen, you know you've done a lot on it over here in America. Decided to go to UK for this one.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, this one is different, so break it down.

[DJ Envy]

For people that haven't seen it, it comes out the 31st. So tell us about Fightland.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, it's exciting. This one is a UK based show. I got Ottawa Bathurst to direct it so the. The first two episodes, he did really dope, and then I got, like, the other guys that I got to do throughout the season. It's like, top notch, bro. So you're gonna see this one's gonna feel like it's a grade better than what I did, like, in Power, really. I promise that.

[DJ Envy]

Now, for people that haven't seen it yet, it comes out July 31st. Fightland. How would you describe fighting?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

I say it's a family crime drama.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Right. And it has an intensity in action that you would feel you received in an action film. And it does things that the other series don't do because we kind of jump timelines throughout the episodes and stuff like this. So you'll see things and go, oh, like things flashing back and things going to different, you know, backwards and forwards.

[DJ Envy]

I seen the first episode. I didn't see you in it. Are you in this season or are you at any season, or. No, because usually we'll get a pop up, a 50, a pop up here and there. Are you in Fightland at all?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No. I'm gonna have to work on my British accent.

[DJ Envy]

Have you tried?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No, no, I did. I would have to work on it to do it, to get in this.

[DJ Envy]

What keeps you motivated to do it. You don't need the money. Is this, like, at this point? What is it for?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Nah, it's cool creatively, like. No. No project is great because of one person. It's a collective. You know what I mean? And what I get a chance to do is communicate what they feel to the network before it gets like. They start developing reputations of being difficult or doing things, but they're comfortable expressing how they feel to me, you know what I mean? Now I'm at a stage where I can finance and license the project instead of giving it to the networks for them to own.

[DJ Envy]

The series premiere of Fightland drops July 31st only on Starz, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays. This message is brought to you by

[Lauren LaRosa]

Injectable Cabenuva Cabotegravir Rilpiverine.

[Cabenuva Advertisement Voiceover]

Here's a question for you. Are you ready for a complete HIV treatment that doesn't demand daily attention? Then you're ready to talk to your doctor about Cabenuva. Cabenuva helps keep your HIV in check. With no more daily HIV pills. Results may vary. Attend all appointments. Cabenuva is a complete prescription regimen used to treat HIV1 infection in people 12 years and older who weigh at least 30, 77 pounds, or 35 kilograms to replace their current HIV1 medicines when their healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. Don't take Cabenuva if allergic or taking medicines that may interact Serious side effects, allergic reactions or rash, post injection reactions, liver problems and depression. If these occur, get medical help right away. Tell your doctor about your medicines or supplements. Medical conditions, liver or kidney problems, mental health, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The most common side effect is injection site reaction. Talk to your doctor and learn more by calling 1-800-946-4323 or visiting cabenuva.com that's C-A-B E N U V A.com because

[Lauren LaRosa]

as we get into the latest y' all know, we get into the conversations that shake the room and I want to get into a conversation right now that Ryan Clark had on his podcast the Pivot. He's there with the guys over at the Pivot and he is finally talking about what went down with espn. Now, I do wish that it had been a bit sooner. I feel like some of the stuff that I've been seeing on social media, I don't know, I just, I don't like the theatrics around something that I feel like could be such a great teachable moment. I don't know, I just, I'm not here for the performative stuff now. Love Ryan Clark, though, and everything that I know that it is his for him. He feels like it's his mission to stand for all things black, black women, all of that. But I just thought that the conversation that he was gonna have on the Pivot about this moment with ESPN was gonna be a very real and honest conversation about what the hell is really going on over there at espn. And I do think that he got pretty honest. He definitely got really vulnerable. He ended up breaking down in tears. But I don't know, I just feel like I, it just, I can't even really put into words what I was expecting from. Let's get into the conversation. You guys make your own synopsis for so for background, for those of you guys who do not remember Ryan Clark, you know, former NFL champion, also analyst, you know, he hosts the Pivot, which is a podcast, but he was also on NFL Live. And he had been working with ESPN for over a decade following his football career, was recently laid off from espn. Now when this happened, I received a statement from sources close to production over there that told me that he was actually told during a TV break. And the reason why he was told during a TV break was because he, like the network, they were scared that the News was going to. Was going to break while he was on air, and he didn't want that. The network is saying that they didn't want him to find out from anybody else, but from what I was told, and now what we've confirmed through Ryan Clark himself, is that he didn't feel like it went down that way at all. He's basically saying he was not laid off, he was fired, and that it was basically almost like there was a target on his back because he's a black man at espn. Let's take a listen.

[Ryan Clark]

I think the big question is, did you see it coming? Could you take us inside that moment? Yes and no. I'm upset with myself from this perspective. There were signs, but I truly thought for the first time in my life, I worked so hard at something. I was so good at something. Everybody acknowledged that I was. That they couldn't fire me, that they wouldn't fire me, that a company who's going to have the super bowl this year, who truly wants to put their best foot forward to the entire world and have the best people talking about football, wouldn't fire, in my opinion. This is my opinion, and it seems to be the opinion of many others, the best football analyst in the world. I didn't think that, and that's my fault. You know, this off season, our piece on Monday Night Football with Greg Brooks won an award, a diversity award. And our showrunner and our director and our producer were so excited, and it was like, PR Is gonna post it, and it never happened. And eventually I just posted it myself. And then PR Reached out like, oh, I'm so sorry that we missed it, but the Emmys are coming up, and we'll post it afterwards. And I just remember sending a text to one of the people I work with, and I said, they're not gonna post that. They don't care. So there were just signs throughout the season. Like, even now, if you look at everything for the super bowl year, I'm not on any of that. A guy that's supposed to be a part of Monday Night Football, a man that's supposed to be a part of NFL Live, a man that's a huge part of First Take was a part of building get up. So to me, the signs were always there. And I called man. I called executives, I called decision makers, I called bosses. Is my schedule changing? What's it look like? And it was never a definitive answer. But I think it was never a definitive answer because this was always.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And then Ryan Clark goes into not really being able to fully be himself, like as a black man. Right. And things that if he would have been able to change. And let's take a listen to address

[Ryan Clark]

the head down thing. What makes me a little bit sad about myself is I did adjust who I was to try to keep my job. I did have meetings with people and say, okay, what is it that you need from me? Not the analyst. The analyst was. He was damn good. Right? If you care about the person that's on tv, what is it you need from me? Cause I want to do that. I want to build a relationship. I want to involve you in the things I'm doing. You know, man, like this show for three years, bro, we never shied away from any topic. We never shied away from tackling anything we did this year. Cause I knew I couldn't have no beef. I knew I couldn't respond to disrespect. Right. I knew, for lack of a better word, I couldn't be too black.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Now this is the part I was talking about because there is conversation around Ryan Clark and there are people who feel like, you know, a lot of things that Ryan Clark says and the things that he chooses to stand for. Yes. A part of it is like, okay, he's a black man. He knows what that's like. He knows what that. Where. Where he's coming from with that. But there is a part of it where, you know, people feel like it's a bit performative. I really wanted him to get into, like, I mean, he talks about Stephen and he talks about a meeting that they had where Stephen a let him know, like, you know, you make it some executives upset up here, but I just think that there was like a deeper surface. Like, let's take all of the gear off. Let's. Let's derobe. Like, let's really strip naked. Not physically, but in the sense of this conversation and get into what he's actually been experiencing at ESPN on an even more deeper detailed level. Especially because. And I thought that we were going to get that. Especially because when tmz. So I did the story that Ryan Clark was basically let go during the break and that he was. He. He did not return from after the break because basically he was told that he. He didn't need to. TMZ shot back at my story with a. A headlines basically stating that Ryan Clark was not forced to leave the taping, that it was his own choice. Ryan Clark then retweeted TMZ's story on X and said. And he disputed it. He said that he was asked or he asked after they gave him the news. Should he go now? And he was said to.

[DJ Envy]

And.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And he was told yes

[Cabenuva Advertisement Voiceover]

and.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And something. That's what I mean. Like something's not making sense there. And I feel like he talks about it and he gives us a few things, but he never directly says certain things at the same time. And I just thought that we were gonna get that. Now don't get me wrong, it was a great conversation. And again, I think he did get very personal in the conversation, but I just felt like there was another level to it a bit. I do feel like that, and I don't know if, look, I don't know where that will lie if we'll get that. But he's been very honest about feeling like there was this target on his back. So I thought that he would kind of unveil the layers of the onion a bit about what the target was.

[Lauren LaRosa (alternate or ad read)]

But yeah, yo, I was scrolling through the Sprite Living track list the other day and immediately started arguing with myself. It was wild because records like California Love still Not a Player and Back Then are so much more than words in songs. They're moments, they're memories, they're snapshots of where hip hop was and where it's going. That's what Sprite gets they spent over 40 years celebrating artists who defined the culture, and now they're turning the conversation over to the fans. And if you're like me, the real fun is getting into the why. Why does this song matter? Why did this line hit? Why did it change hip hop forever? Now I can't promise you any answers, but with Sprite you'll have a good time figuring it out. Check out the full Sprite Living track list and breakdown the stories behind your favorite bars@livingtracklist. Genius.com this is the Sprite Living Track list. Obey your thirst back to school Shopping

[Target Campaign Voiceover]

is about more than just checking off a list. It's about helping kids feel confident walking into a new school year. Whether it's a favorite notebook, a cool backpack, or the perfect pair of shoes, Target is there to make a big difference. Target is showing up for families this back to school season with a huge variety of school supplies, apparel and accessories that help kids do their thing and express their personal style. And with low prices all season long, parents can feel good about getting everything they need at a great value. Think backpacks start in just $5 and save up to 60% on school supplies. Plus, Target has the brands and collaborations kids are excited about, including Love Shack, fancy cat and Jack overtime and even personalized Oala bottles with stickers, charms and more. With the prices parents want and the brands kids love, Target has everything you need for back to school shopping all in one place. Because when kids feel confident heading into the school year, parents feel good too.

[DJ Envy]

What up, y'?

[Sprite Living Track List Host]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's Dej Envy. We're at the premiere of Fightland, executive produced by my guy, 50 Cent. Yeah, now let's. You know, you've done a lot on it over here. America decided to go to UK for this one.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, this one is different.

[DJ Envy]

So break it down for people that haven't seen it comes out the 31st. So tell us about Fightland.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Yeah, it's exciting. This one is a UK based show. I got Ottawa Bathurst to direct it. So the first two episodes he did really dope. And then I got like the other guys that I got to do throughout the season. It's like, top notch, bro. So you're gonna see this one's gonna feel like it's a grade better than, than what I did in Power.

[DJ Envy]

Really?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

I promised that.

[DJ Envy]

Now, for people that haven't seen it yet, it comes out July 31st. Fightland. How would you describe Fightland?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

I'd say it's a family crime drama.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Right. And it has an intensity and action that you would, you would, you would feel you received in the action film. And it does things that the other series don't do because we kind of jump timelines throughout the episodes and stuff like this. So you'll see things and go, oh, like things flashing back and things going to different, you know, backwards and forwards.

[DJ Envy]

I seen the first episode. I didn't see you in it. Are you in this season or are you at any season or. No, because usually we'll get a pop up or 50 a pop up here and there. Are you in Fightland at all?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No. I might have to work on my British accent.

[DJ Envy]

Have you tried?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

No, no, I did. Well, I would have to work on it to do it, to get in this.

[DJ Envy]

What keeps you most motivated to do it? You don't need the money. It's just like at this point, what is it for?

[Actor from Fightland (possibly a producer or director)]

Nah, it's cool creatively, like. No, no project is great because of one person. It's a collective, you know, I mean, and what I get a chance to do is communicate what they feel to the network before it gets like. Then they start developing reputations of being difficult or doing things. But they're comfortable expressing how they feel to me, you know, Now I'm at a stage where I can, you know, finance and license the project instead of giving it to the networks for them to own.

[DJ Envy]

The series premiere of Fightland drops July 31st only on Starz, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays. This message is brought to you by

[Lauren LaRosa]

Injectable Cabenuva Cabotegravir Rilpivirine Here's a question for you.

[Cabenuva Advertisement Voiceover]

Are you ready for a complete HIV treatment that doesn't demand daily attention? Then you're ready to talk to your doctor about Cabenuva. Cabenuva helps keep your HIV in check with no more daily HIV pills. Results may vary. Attend all appointments. Cabenuva is a complete prescription regimen used to treat HIV1 infection in people 12 years and older who weigh at least 77 pounds or 35 kilograms to replace their current HIV1 medicines when their healthcare provider determines they meet meet certain requirements. Don't take Cabenuva if allergic or taking medicines that may interact Serious side effects, allergic reactions or rash, post injection reactions, liver problems and depression. If these occur, get medical help right away. Tell your doctor about your medicines or supplements, medical conditions, liver or kidney problems, mental health, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The most common side effect is injection site reaction. Talk to your doctor and learn more by calling 1-800-946-4323 or visiting cabenuva.com that c a b e n u v

[Lauren LaRosa]

a.com now moving on in the latest Speaking of the latest child, lately Usher and Chris Brown have been going viral. You know they have the tour that they're on touring all over the world and Usher and Chris Brown were recently in Nashville. Now there is a young lady that is now viral as h e double hockey sticks in everywhere because Usher called her on stage and when he called her on stage, this is what happened. Let's take a listen.

[DJ Envy]

I don't think she want to be on the stage.

[Cabenuva Advertisement Voiceover]

Huh?

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yeah, got that right. That is Usher saying I don't think she wants to be up here. Now I know you guys are audio listeners, so let me paint the picture for you. Normally when Usher or Chris Brown calls girls on stage it is like a serenade, like Beyonce Destiny's Child cater to you moment. But the fan that they call on stage normally gives a little something back. Whether it's a touch or singing along or you know, like there's something that we're watching. Especially when Chris Brown called them girls on stage. But you know Chris Brown, I don't know if he's fully single. I know he recently had A baby with, you know, Jada, who is believed to be his girlfriend. But Chris Brown be getting it in on that stage. Okay. I mean, it'd be the humping, it'd be the thrusting to be all the things the girls be throwing it back. It's insane. Ushers is a bit more if you've ever been. I went to his Vegas residency, too, and he did this during his residency where it's like, he's a showman, so he's serenading the women, making them feel good. There was one point in his residency in Vegas where he was even making little fake drinks. I think they were fake, but he was making drinks on the stage for the people as they came up. But anyway, so this girl comes on stage and she's, like, smiling a little bit, which is like, smiling with your eyes. For those people who did not watch America's Next Top Model. And she's smiling, but, like, she's really not giving him much at all. Like, when I say giving him much, I mean, I at least would think, like, a hand would go on his back and, like, she would grab him behind the neck or singing a song back to him or something. Now this went viral. Okay. The young lady, who is a nurse from according to what we're learning about her online, has spoken out. And she spoke out and she was really upset. She says that people were even trying to get at her as she was leaving the show because the girls was like, yo, you wasted the opportunity, sis. Let's take a listen. It was even, even people harassing me while I was walking out of the stadium. Oh, really? While me and my family was walking out of the stadium, people were harassing us. Oh, well, you should have did this. I would have did this. Were you available to go on the stage is what I'm trying to understand now. She has also posted some things online shooting back at the hater, saying, like, look, I was cute. I looked cute. So I be danged if I don't get up there on that stage and let the whole, you know, let all the people see me. But then her aunt came out and said she had a boyfriend and a child, and she kept it cute because of that. And I think the girls are just trying to figure out why get up on the stage if you're going to do all of that. And, like, if you're not going to feed into it, why get up on the stage? I will say, I mean, it's not like she could have took her clothes off and they could have got busy on stage. Usher is a married man. She has a person she went home to. But I did think that if you were going to get up on the stage, you would at least give a little something something. Because, you know, according to what this young woman and her family who've now come out online in her defense, have said, they were moved from floor seats over to the VIP and then told like, oh, we're going to try to get you on stage. So if you know that and you're down to go on stage and she says she was there for Chris Brown, but then it's still. I feel like if you played it cute because of the man at home and the baby and you know, just trying to keep it cute, you wouldn't give Chris Brown much either. I don't know. I wouldn't have went on stage. Like, if my man is at home, whether my man was at that concert, especially what the man at the concert, you on stage is crazy. But if my man is at home, I'm not getting on the stage to participate. I'm just not doing it. And I think that's why the girls were upset. Like, girl, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and you ain't even take advantage of it. But I think the fact that there is so much upset around this, like, I saw this on Page six. I saw it on Daily Mail. I know TMZ covered it. We're talking about it here on the latest. It hit the Shade Room Neighborhood Talk. Like, this was so viral. The fact that this was so viral. I think the next young lady who goes viral from this Usher concert is some pressure on her. Now she gotta go up because the, the public who ain't attending the concert. We've only been seeing this through those viral moments. More so with Usher. I'm sorry, More so with Chris Brown and Usher. The last viral moment on Usher's side of it was when Dave Chappelle popped out at one of the shows and it looked, literally looked like a Dave Chappelle skit because of the face that Dave Chappelle was making. The next young lady that goes up there, baby, it's some pressure on you, okay? Because Miss cute little nurse from Chattanooga, Tennessee, then mess it up for the girls. Now you gotta give their show improvement

[Lauren LaRosa (alternate or ad read)]

again.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I don't. I wouldn't be on that stage if I was an artist. I honestly, I always wonder about this. Like, do they have the girl sign something? Like, I would even be. I would. As an artist, I would be nervous about even any of this. Like, any of it. Like the girl getting up on stage, going viral, having to handle all the critics touching her the wrong way or anything. Like people are so weird with like lawsuits and stuff like that. That wouldn't be doing it in 2026. But hey, if I check out the Chris Browner Usher concert and the girls get on stage, I'll be definitely back here talking about it because I'm a watch from my seat. Real cute. That has been another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. I tell you guys every single episode. You could be anywhere with any old body, but you choose to be right back here with me. My low riders. I appreciate you and I'll catch you in my next one.

[Sprite Living Track List Host]

Before we go, I gotta leave y' all with a question. What's a hip hop lyric that changed the way you saw music? Because that's really what the Sprite Living Track List is about. It's not about crowning winners. It started conversations. 50 tracks, generations of artists, endless debates. And Sprite didn't just put lyrics on cans. Nah, they went deeper, bringing together hip hop experts and tastemakers to help unpack the stories and impact behind every track. Check out the full Sprite Living Track list and break down the stories behind your favorite bars at Living Track List. This is the Sprite Living Track List. Obey your thirst.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Skincare means Sephora Makeup same. They've got the products, expertise and the brands that fit your lifestyle. But when I talk about hair care, do you make the same connection? Well, you should. Sephora is just as trusted for hair. Whether you're looking to repair, strengthen, hydrate or add shine, you'll find brands like Kerastase, K18 and Gisu, plus the guidance that helped you choose what's right for your hair. And with free shipping and same day delivery, great hair care is easier than ever. Shop hair at Sephora today.

[Nissan Campaign Voiceover]

Pressure has a way of revealing what remains steady. In the latest Nissan campaign, the Nissan Rogue was tested to the extreme to demonstrate that it's built to last through durability and reliability. Challenges inspired by real tests conducted by Nissan engineers. Brutal potholes, a steady force of water, even a jet powered sandstorm. Each challenge inviting a deeper look at how quality, durability and reliability hold their ground in real world conditions. Every test was 100% real. No CG, no AI. To see how the Rogue held up, visit nissan-duordability.com Back to school is here

[Target Campaign Voiceover]

and Target has everything families need to help head into the school year feeling confident and ready to do their thing. From school supplies and stylish apparel to accessories kids actually want. Target makes it easy to check every box on your list at a great value. We're talking backpacks starting at just $5 and up to 60% off school supplies. Plus, kids can express their style with brands and collabs they love, like Love Shack, Fancy Cat and Jack Overtime, and customizable Owalla bottles with stickers, charms and much more. The prices parents want and the brands kids love all in one place at Target.

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.