Stephen A. Smith was a guest on The Howard Stern Show this week and talked about his aspirations beyong what he is doing now with ESPN and on The Stephen A. Smith Show he airs on YouTube.
Smith first talked about building out his own studio, which he paid for himself, to the tune of close to $2 million. Stern noted he had told Smith not to make that investment himself, but rather to get someone to pay the tab.
“For me, personally, it was just very important to establish a level of independence,” Smith said. “Obviously I am incredibly happy at Disney and ESPN and the career that I’ve had there, but I have aspirations that extend beyond that. For me, to have my own studio, to be able to make the kind of investment in myself – it was a statement, per se, just in my mind that I’m movin’ on up and that I have future aspirations that extend far beyond the corridors of ESPN. I always want to be a part of it, hopefully that’ll be the case, but I definitely have aspirations that extend beyond that and I wanted to send that message and I wanted the world to know that.”
Smith talked about his relationships with Disney CEO Bob Iger, noting he had spent time at Iger’s house for a few hours of conversation, and also ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. Stern asked Smith how he was allowed to do his own podcast, given his employment status with ESPN. Smith said it was a handshake deal he and Pitaro had discussed and they eventually carved it out of his agreement. Smith said Pitaro “remembered what he said to me and kept his word.”
Stephen A. Smith found himself in the news recently as a feud between he and Jason Whitlock played out publicly. One of the things Whitlock accused Smith of was lying in his memoir, Straight Shooter.
Smith told Stern about the fued, “Nothing is perfect. I have one of the best jobs in America. I work for one of the best companies and some of the best bosses on this planet. I’m making good money, life is kind of good. Why do I need to write a book where I am going to tell lies? Are you kidding me?”
Smith did admit, however, that dealing with adversity is something he thrives on.
“It’s a sick trait that I have, that I will openly admit, I love adversity because I find out who my true friends and loved ones are when adverse circumstances hit,” he said. “See, I know the hits are going to come because when you’re at or near the top, they’re coming for you. People like to swing up, I get it.”
