He’s one of the most expensive personalities in sports media, he’s also the most annoying personality in sports, or at least that’s how Stephen A. Smith views himself.
While announcing his top-five “most annoying” people in all of sports during a segment on ESPN’s First Take, Smith surprised the audience by putting himself at the top,
“Why?! ‘Cause I’m Stephen A that’s why! ‘Cause I tell it like it is that’s why, because I don’t hesitate,” Smith said emphatically.
It’s not the first time Smith has been deemed the most annoying person in sports. The First Take star has previously been voted the most annoying sports media member in an NCAA bracket style tournament by The Spun.
“When you are me, you can get on everybody’s damn nerves,” Smith said. “I’m not stupid, I know I’m the number one most annoying person in all of sports. I just don’t care.”
While Smith’s unmatched energy could be perceived as annoying, especially if you disagree with his current take, it’s equally viewed as entertaining. Since rejoining ESPN in 2011, Smith’s career has grown to where he is arguably the network’s most recognizable personality.
The 52-year old First Take star recently signed a new five-year deal with ESPN, making him the network’s highest paid on-air contributor with an annual dollar amount approaching $8 million.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here
