Blaze TV host Jason Whitlock reacted Monday to Stephen A. Smith’s comments that he’s underpaid compared to his male counterparts.
“The Fearless” host said the ESPN star is “feeling himself” on a show that has shown a propensity to rival its competitors for similar ratings.
“ESPN has invested in his First Take show. Bringing on Michael Irvin and bringing on Mad Dog Russo,” he said. “The ratings are improving for that show.”
Smith reportedly makes $12 million a year at ESPN. The “First Take” host was unapologetic about his salary rant Friday.
“I ain’t apologizing for that to a damn soul. I am underpaid,” Smith said.
“That show is starting to occasionally rival (Pardon The Interruption’s) audience, some days on Monday’s I think Stephen A. may get 600,000 viewers and (Pardon The Interruption) may get 750 [thousand],” Whitlock stated.
Whitlock credited Smith’s performance compared to what “Undisputed” hosts Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe have been able to do at Fox Sports.
“I don’t know if, in the history of television, there’s ever been anyone paid $8-10 million a year when their signature show draws 400-500 thousand viewers on most days,” he added.
The Blaze TV host said he thought Smith was talking about the Monday Night Football crew of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman as those who get paid more than Smith, but said there’s a reason for their high salaries compared to Smith’s.
“Part of their value is ABC and ESPN have always wanted a Super Bowl broadcast. They couldn’t get it with their second tier Monday Night Football broadcast. Now — with Buck and Aikman — they can get a Super Bowl broadcast. That’s the added value — the prestige — that Buck and Aikman add to ESPN.”