ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt Apologizes On-Air for “Incomplete Reaction” to Kyren Lacey Case 🏈📺
ESPN Host Scott Van Pelt Apologizes for ‘False Narrative’…, ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt issued an emotional on-air apology after facing backlash for his response to Ryan Clark’s impassioned defense of late LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacey.
During Wednesday night’s (October 8) broadcast of SportsCenter, Van Pelt admitted that his earlier comments “overstated an incomplete version” of events surrounding Lacey’s death and the fatal December 2024 car crash for which he had been charged.
“I apologize for the incomplete reaction that was broadcast on this program Monday night,” Van Pelt said. “This was a senseless tragedy in December, magnified by a second life lost in April.”
The Controversy ⚡
The apology followed Van Pelt’s Monday (October 6) segment in which Clark, his ESPN colleague and former NFL player, passionately defended Lacey — insisting the 24-year-old was wrongly accused in the crash that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Clark argued that state police had tampered with evidence, saying Lacey suffered intense public blame that contributed to his suicide in April 2025. Van Pelt responded to Clark’s comments with a loud “Amen” — a moment that quickly drew criticism online.
The Case and Conflicting Evidence 🕊️
Lacey, who led LSU in touchdowns during the 2024 season and had declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, faced multiple charges including negligent homicide, reckless operation, and felony hit-and-run.
Police alleged that Lacey’s speeding vehicle triggered the deadly chain reaction. However, his attorney, Matthew Urey, recently released video footage claiming otherwise — asserting that Lacey was more than 70 yards behind the collision when it occurred and could not have caused the crash.
In response, the Louisiana State Police shared additional footage and records reaffirming their position that Lacey’s reckless driving set events in motion.
A Tragic End 💔
Just two days before a Louisiana grand jury was set to review the case, Lacey died by suicide in Houston while being pursued by police. Authorities say he shot himself before crashing his vehicle. He was 24 years old.
Van Pelt’s apology came amid growing pressure from fans and media critics accusing ESPN of failing to verify claims made during Clark’s broadcast appearance.
Fellow ESPN host Pat McAfee also walked back his own earlier remarks, admitting he had repeated “disputed claims” before the new footage emerged.
As of now, Clark has not publicly responded to the latest evidence or Van Pelt’s statement.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential help is available 24/7.
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