For public figures (like Clark), the threshold is higher. McNutt's remarks might've made some people upset. But they don't appear to meet the standard for defamation, at least not at first glance.

However, ESPN analyst Monica McNutt took a different stance during a June 18 episode of Get Up. "I'm ok with it," McNutt said of how Mabrey's shove on Clark was handled, per ESPN.

However, it was McNutt's comments during a May 19, 2025, episode of ESPN's " Get Up " that appear to have been the specific catalyst for the lawsuit rumor gaining traction online.