Stephen A. Smith is headed for a well-earned summer break from ESPN and media in general, but not before firing off a pointed message to his media critics—and making it clear that when he returns this fall, he won’t be holding back.
In a nearly 13-minute video posted to his YouTube channel, Smith addressed a wave of criticism he’s received in recent months. From allegations that he was visibly upset over Max Kellerman landing a high-profile boxing assignment, to commentary on him playing solitaire during NBA Finals coverage, the First Take host set the record straight.
“My staff didn’t want me to do this,” Smith opened. “So, out of respect, I’m not going to mention names. But I see the trifling individuals out there talking s**t about me. It’s cute. But I live for this.”
Smith went on to defend his work ethic, pointing out that he’s been on the road 200 days this year and worked over 325 days in the past 12 months. He also shot down the narrative that he had issues with Kellerman beyond a simple professional disagreement about their on-air chemistry.
“I didn’t want to work with him on First Take anymore,” Smith said plainly. “I didn’t want him fired. I didn’t want him unemployed. That brother’s brilliant and deserves a check.”
As for the viral solitaire moment, Smith said he plays the game regularly during downtime and made no apologies. “I do what the hell I want on my platform,” he said, pointing to the hours of coverage he provided across ESPN and ABC before, during, and after the game.
The ESPN star, who recently inked a new deal with ESPN and is set to return to SiriusXM on Sept. 2, hinted that his recent demeanor has been more restrained than fans are used to—and that’s about to change.
“I think I’ve been too PC. I don’t believe I’ve told enough people to kiss my a**,” he said. “That’s going to end.”
Smith credited his team with keeping him grounded but warned that critics trying to generate clicks with misinformation will be confronted more directly going forward.
“You still have me in the headlines,” he said. “Which means you believe I’m relevant. And that really kills you, doesn’t it?”
Smith wrapped by promising a fiery return to First Take, his SiriusXM show, and a new weekly political program this fall.
“I kind of like being pissed off,” he said. “It’s cathartic. Buckle up. Y’all be ready—because I damn sure will be.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
