Last week, ESPN and NFL analyst Mina Kimes announced an agreement on a new multi-year contract to keep Kimes at the network. The contract is believed to be worth $1.7 million.
Stephen A. Smith on his Stephen A. Smith Show podcast Friday defended the network’s decision to pay Kimes and extend her contract.
A caller, Yuli in Brooklyn, told Stephen A. that he had seen a video circulating online attacking ESPN and Kimes for the contract. Smith had a pretty simple response to those who take issue with the move.
“F–k them, OK?” he said. “You can’t be fazed by them. You know what haters really are? People that are upset they’re not you or they’re not in your position.”
Stephen A., who is among the highest-paid personalities at ESPN, said people shouldn’t be mad that they’re paying Kimes reportedly $1.7 million. He feels that cost is justified.
“Mina Kimes is worthy. I’m telling you as a colleague. She is worthy of $1.7 million,” he said.
Smith went on to say that Kimes’ intellect and talent are what makes her worth the money she’s making.
“She is a brilliant mind. She’s very smart, she very dedicated, she’s very knowledgeable,” he said. “And I think she makes great television.”
