Former NFL star Ryan Clark hits back after being accused of racism over Bill Belichick Halloween costume

Former Steelers star Ryan Clark defended his Halloween costume on Thursday night after the ‘racist’ depiction of Bill Belichick was slammed online.

Clark, who works alongside Belichick on the CW’s ‘Inside The NFL,’ wore a white-skinned mask and grey wig to resemble the ex-Patriots coach on Wednesday, writing on X that he spent ‘three hours’ in a chair having the prosthetic applied.

Nonetheless, despite having Belichick’s blessing, Clark was slammed by what he called the ‘white face mob’ – but said on Thursday that there is ‘no equivalent’ to ‘black face.’  

‘Black face’ was invented by lower tier white people because it distanced them from their class, & then used to mock black people by the film industry,’ he wrote. ‘It was a part of oppression. Black Face is RACIST… from its inception, to its execution, to its intention. There is no equivalent, because there is no equivalent in the oppression.’

Clark added that Belichick provided his game-worn sweatshirt and whistle for the costume, which was ‘loved’ around the NFL Films set and by the 72-year-old. 

Belichick also dressed up as Clark, as the legendary coach wore a two-toned suit

‘I wanted to honor coach,’ he said. ‘Honor his love for Halloween, the energy he treats me with everyday, & getting to wear the actual clothing he wore in becoming 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 a mask or makeup), as he wore a two-tone suit to resemble him, while fellow ‘Inside the NFL’ panel members Chris Long and Chad Johnson also wore each other’s jerseys.

Still, fans were not pleased with Clark’s explanation of his costume.

‘Oh so when white people want to honor black people it’s racist but when you do it, it’s not? Get the f*** outta here w your racist bulls***,’ one wrote.

‘Is this not white face? Can you imagine the outrage if a white dude dressed up like Deion [Sanders] and did this bit?,’ another posted previously.

Belichick, seen in 2006, was known for his extremely casual fashion on the sidelines

Clark spent the majority of his 13-year NFL career with the Steelers. He was part of the team’s Super Bowl-winning team in the 2009 season.

‘lol bro will do this then be talking about equality for 3 hours on his podcast,’ another said.

And a fourth called him a ‘hypocrite.’ 

However, others had no issue with the costume.

‘Fair play. All about intent. No matter the word or action,’ one wrote.  

‘All the white people reaching calling this white face, at least that’s a mask and makeup,’ another X user wrote. ‘Yall just paint your skin BLACK not even the correct shade of brown, and parade around as ‘black people’. And the man he’s dressed up as is right next to him.

‘Belichick gave you the nod of approval,’ a different fan added. ‘Plus it’s a mask for those who have an issue. Very different.’

Belichick also broke out a hilarious costume with his girlfriend Jordon Hudson, as they dressed up as a fisherman and mermaid respectively.