Stephen A. Smith is an invaluable personality on sports television and the featured commentator on ESPN’s morning debate program, First Take. On several occasions, specifically on his podcast through Audacy and Cadence13, he has not been afraid to speak his mind on topics outside of sports and media. Over the last several years, some people around the industry are getting the impression that he has outgrown the auspices of ESPN, evident, perhaps, by eating a baby carrot live on the air in the middle of a debate. Smith’s impromptu snack break caught the attention of Kimberly Martin, who has been featured on the show of late to provide her insight and expertise on the National Football League. In response to her wondering why he could not eat before or after the show, Smith offered a resounding response.
“I will say this as an aside because we’ve got to be honest with the American public,” Smith expressed. “Yes we are doing the show, but I am a show. It comes with it; that’s what I’m saying.”
Smith is duly compensated for his role with the network, which at times includes starring on First Take, NBA Countdown and the NBA in Stephen A.’s World alternate broadcast all in the same week. He has not been shy to talk about the network’s pursuit of Shannon Sharpe, his thoughts on the network inking Pat McAfee to a contract and the future of the television program on numerous occasions. Yet Smith’s demeanor sometimes comes off to those on the show as conceited or bumptious, and Martin decided to address it directly on Monday.
“Every time I do this job, I think it cannot – you cannot be this full of yourself, and every time I sit at this desk – I don’t get paid enough for this,” Martin said. “….I don’t – this is just crazy.”
“Neither do I,” replied Smith.
Molly Qerim, who has been the host of the show since her arrival in the summer of 2015, sympathized with Martin and spoke about how she has had a front-row seat to Smith for the last eight years. Nonetheless, the show continues to be the No. 1 morning program and dominate the competition, setting a new precedent for studio production and modern television.
“I know we’re doing a job, but let me ask you a question,” Marcus Spears said to Smith. “Do you ever listen to the damn words that come out of your mouth sometimes on this show? We’re in front of the whole world – do you ever just listen to what you’re saying?”
“Half the time I don’t care,” Smith replied. “I just say what’s in my heart, bro. I just say what’s in my heart, brother. Let’s roll, y’all! Let’s roll!”
At another point in the show, Smith was visibly reacting to Martin’s opinion on New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers responding to contentious comments about his coach made by Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. As Martin outlined her thinking, Smith’s countenance was pensive and accompanied by a smirk, leading her to stop in her tracks and ask Smith what he was doing.
“You’re just starting off – I’ve been here for the last hour – that’s No. 1,” Smith said to Martin, who had been on Get Up earlier in the day. “No. 2 – I just want America to know that Kimberly is emblematic of the culture that Molly Qerim has instigated on this show.”
After more back-and-forth between the First Take duo, Martin interjected and asked Smith to expound upon what he meant by the culture Qerim created on the show.
“The bigger point is the culture that you’ve created with the attitude – these women coming here with this attitude coming in and bullying the men and running all over us,” Smith said, “but that’s okay.”
