Former NFL star Ryan Clark hits back after being accused of racism over Bill Belichick Halloween costume
- Ryan Clark said his Bill Belichick costume was “made for entertaining TV!”
Former Steelers star Ryan Clark defended his Halloween costume Thursday night after Bill Belichick’s “racist” image was posted online.
Clark, who works with Belichick on The CW’s “Inside The NFL,” wore a white mask and gray wig on Wednesday to resemble the ex-Patriots coach, write on X that he spent “three hours” in a chair while the prosthesis was fitted.
Still, despite Belichick’s blessing, Clark was crushed by what he called the “white face mob” — but said Thursday there is “no equivalent” for “black face.”
“Black face was created by lower-class white people because it distanced them from their class, and then used to mock black people by the film industry,” he wrote. ‘It was part of the oppression. Black Face is RACIST… from its inception to its execution and intent. There is no equivalent, because there is no equivalent in oppression.”
Clark added that Belichick provided his game-worn sweatshirt and whistle for the costume, which was “loved” on the NFL Films set and by the 72-year-old.
Ryan Clark caused controversy online when he wore a white skin mask for Halloween
Belichick also dressed as Clark, as the legendary coach wore a two-tone suit
“I wanted to honor the coach,” he said. “Honor his love for Halloween, the energy he treats me with every day, and getting to wear the clothes he wore when he became the greatest coach of all time! We had fun. I have 0 regrets and would do it all again!’
Notably, Belichick also dressed up as Clark (without mask or makeup) as he wore a two-tone suit to resemble him, while fellow “Inside the NFL” panelists Chris Long and Chad Johnson also wore each other’s jerseys.
Still, fans weren’t happy with Clark’s explanation of his costume.
“Oh, so if white people want to honor black people, it’s racist, but if you do it, it’s not? Away with your racist bulls***,” one person wrote.
‘Isn’t this a white face? Can you imagine the outrage if a white guy dressed up as Deion? [Sanders] and did this bit?,” another posted earlier.
Belichick, seen in 2006, was known for his ultra-casual fashion on the sidelines
“lol bro will do this and then talk about equality for 3 hours on his podcast,” said another.
And a fourth called him a “hypocrite.”
Others, however, had no problem with the costume.
‘Fair play. All about intent. No matter the word or deed,” one person wrote.
“All the white people calling this white face, at least that’s a mask and makeup,” another X user wrote. “Y’all just paint your skin BLACK, not even the right shade of brown, and parade around as ‘black people.’ And the man as he is dressed is standing right next to him.
“Belichick gave you a nod of approval,” another fan added. “Besides, it’s a mask for those who have a problem. Very different.’
Belichick also broke out a hilarious costume with his girlfriend Jordon Hudson as they dressed up as a fisherman and a mermaid, respectively.