Not since Hulk Hogan and Jeff Jarrett at Bash at the Beach 2000 have we seen two titans within the same company feud so fiercely — but at least the latest ESPN-vs.-ESPN spat wasn’t live on pay-per-view. According to the New York Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel, Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee had a private conversation that turned ugly over creative differences on an unnamed project that Stephen. A will produce through his production company, Mr. SAS Productions.
Allegedly, McAfee called Smith a “motherf*****r” at one point during the call. Glasspiegel said the argument caused Smith to ban McAfee from appearing on First Take, but that ban was since lifted once cooler heads prevailed. The Post reached out to both McAfee and Smith who said any animosity between the two has since been resolved.
“I have nothing but love for Stephen A.,” McAfee said in a text message to The Post. “I think I’m still welcome on First Take? I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well.” Smith had much more to say about McAfee and his status on First Take:
“Pat McAfee and I have no issue and the notion that he’d be banned from First Take is B.S. We are No.1 and he has absolutely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was asked to come on each Tuesday through the Super Bowl and he did just that, kicking ass each time he came on the air. If McAfee wants to be on First Take next season, he will be on First Take. I love winners and McAfee has proven he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell folks that he’s trail-blazed a path into a new era for so many of us. I’m grateful to have him as a part of my team and the ESPN Family. And I’m looking forward to having him on for years to come. I sincerely hope that I will not have to repeat myself on this nonsense again!”
Stephen A. Smith via the New York post
The pair have been outwardly kind to each other in the past and Stephen A. has been appreciative of the money McAfee and his show have earned — because it will impact his upcoming contract renewal. McAfee and his crew signed a five-year, nearly $85 million deal to bring the show to ESPN platforms. Smith may shatter expectations with his upcoming deal, according to Dan Le Batard.
