Stephen A. Smith runs First Take a certain way. He expects the best out of his debate opponents. That is something Dan Orlovsky learned when he was given the opportunity to become a regular part of the show.
Orlovsky was a guest on Rise & Schein this week. He told host Adam Schein that he used to approach First Take as a competition. Advice from Smith made Orlovsky better not just on that show, but as a television presence in general.
“The reason I give all the credit in the world to Stephen was when the new configuration of the show was coming about, he called me and he said, ‘Hey, you know, I’m thinking about giving you Thursdays during the football season’,” Orlovsky said. “And I was so flattered. And then the next thing he said to me, Adam, was everything. He said, ‘One condition’. I said, ‘What is it?’ And he said, ‘I don’t care if you’re right. I don’t care if you’re right. I want you to pick a side and do the best that you can. This is an entertainment business. Your goal is not to be right all the time.’ Once he said that to me, it completely changed my mindset going into what that show was going to be.”
Entertainment matters a lot to Smith and First Take, but Orlovsky points out that authenticity matters too.
“Sometimes we’ll get an email, a list of topics that are potentially part of the show for the next day, and the producers would be like, ‘This is Stephen A’s side. Do you agree or disagree?’ Now, if I agree, we often don’t do it, you know. So, it’s never forced to disagree. But, if you disagree, you better bring it and you better not back down.”
Orlovsky’s perspective on First Take echoes something Domonique Foxworth told Bomani Jones last month. You cannot approach the show as you vs. Stephen A. Smith. Smith makes sure all of his opponents know they are on the same team.
Schein was not at all surprised to hear that Stephen A. Smith treats his partners this way.
“I’ve known Stephen for a long time, and he is just as great a person, as loyal a person and, people might not know this, as team-oriented, a person as you can find,” the Rise & Schein host said. “I mean, if Stephen believes in, you know, he will do anything to make you succeed. I just think the world of him as a human being, in addition to an incredible, unique, one-of-one talent.”
“He doesn’t know how much I look up to him and admire him and appreciate him,” Dan Orlovsky responded. “He’s a ten, man. He’s an absolute ten.”
