Van Pelt apologizes after airing false story on ESPN with Ryan Clark

SportsCenter host Scott Van Pelt issued an on-air apology Wednesday night, acknowledging that his reaction to his colleague Ryan Clark’s comments earlier in the week helped amplify a false narrative about former LSU football player Kyren Lacy.

Van Pelt admitted he was wrong, saying his reaction Monday night fell short of the facts and that key details were missing at the time that changed the whole situation.

He didn’t mention Clark’s name.

READ: New police video before Kyren Lacy crash contradicts comments from ESPN’s Ryan Clark blaming law enforcement

The UDC declared on Wednesday evening:

“Late last week, the attorney for former LSU football player Kyren Lacy released a video disputing the version of events used by Louisiana State Police to cite Lacy in a December car crash that claimed the life of 78-year-old Herman Hall.

“On Tuesday, State Police released video and recordings defending their initial findings, which alleged that Lacy’s operation of his vehicle created the chain of events that culminated in the crash that took Hall’s life. Lacy’s car was traveling at a high rate of speed in the wrong lane just before the incident.

“Lacy faced several charges, including felony negligent homicide, but he committed suicide days before the grand jury was scheduled to convene – meaning his guilt or innocence will never be determined in a criminal court.

“The only certainty here is that this was a senseless tragedy in December, amplified by a second life lost in April. I apologize for the incomplete reaction that was aired on this show Monday night.”

Louisiana State Police maintained that Lacy’s reckless driving triggered the crash that killed Hall.

The 78-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lacy was later indicted and was scheduled to appear before a grand jury before committing suicide in April.

Van Pelt’s apology follows backlash over Monday’s apology. Sports center segment, where he and fellow ESPN host Ryan Clark echoed claims about Lacy’s innocence.

During Monday Night FootballClark delivered an emotional defense of Lacy on air – one that Van Pelt punctuated with an “Amen.”

Ryan Clark said on Sports center:

“Kyren Lacy was supposed to play in the NFL. He was accused of something he didn’t do – and died carrying the guilt and consequences of a guilty man, knowing he was innocent.

“It was later discovered that he was 72 meters from the accident and that the police had attempted to coerce and manipulate statements that would have put this young man behind bars.

“They changed his joy, they changed his life – and ultimately, he took his own.”

Clark’s claims have since been challenged by new footage released by Louisiana State Police, suggesting Lacy was more culpable than initially thought. While state police stand by their findings, Lacy’s attorney continues to argue that the new evidence shows he was too far behind the collision to have caused it.

Pat McAfee also repeated the controversial details, suggesting Lacy’s innocence.

McAfee then walked back those remarks on Wednesday, admitting he should have waited for the facts.

The video released by Lacy’s attorney prompted many fans to question the investigation, but subsequent posts from law enforcement contradict this version of events.

After Van Pelt’s on-air deal with Clark aired, fans online were quick to express their frustration.

One fan replied: “Once again, ESPN didn’t do their homework. Journalism is dead. I miss the days of Dan and Keith doing awesome highlights with well-crafted one-liners…(that’s the tweet).”

Another user wrote: “It’s great when you play sports. But you can’t escape racial frauds like Ryan Clark.”

OutKick founder Clay Travis also weighed in, throwing Clark straight at X.

“This is embarrassing. Even for you. Nothing you said is true. Watch the police investigation video. He was speeding on the wrong side of the road. He caused all of this according to witnesses,” Travis posted via X.

In 2024, Lacy drew criticism after pretending to fire a rifle at the USC defense.

In April, before his death, he reportedly argued with family members and fired a gun, but no one was hit. He then led police on a high-speed chase before killing himself.

Van Pelt and McAfee have publicly clarified or walked back their comments. As of this writing, Ryan Clark has not done so.

Send us your impressions: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow us on X: @alejandroaveela