Ryan Clark initially declared former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy "an innocent man" regarding a fatal December 2024 car crash that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man. Clark said on SportsCenter that Lacy was wrongfully accused and lived with the guilt and consequences of a crime he did not commit. He claimed Lacy was 72 yards away from the crash and accused police of trying to coerce and manipulate statements to implicate Lacy, which Clark said changed Lacy’s life and joy, ultimately leading to his suicide in April 2025. Clark also lamented that Lacy, who was projected to be an NFL player, lost his life and potential career unjustly.
However, after the Louisiana State Police released new video evidence contradicting some of these claims, showing Lacy's reckless driving may have contributed to the crash, Clark issued a public apology on ESPN's First Take. He admitted he failed to meet the standards of fairness and truth he strives for, acknowledging the new information and the ongoing litigation prevented full disclosure. Clark expressed heartbreak for both the victim and Lacy, emphasized the importance of truth, and apologized for his previous comments which did not reflect the complete story.
In summary, Ryan Clark initially vocally defended Kyren Lacy's innocence regarding the fatal crash but retracted and apologized for those comments after new evidence and police information were released. Clark emphasized a commitment to truth and fairness in his apology.
