Veteran ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith says former athletes entering sports media face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating criticism and maintaining their instincts.
Speaking on The Pivot podcast with Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder, Smith emphasized that success in broadcasting often invites scrutiny, and that athletes must adapt to a new set of professional expectations.
“You’re gonna have to understand that you’re doing big things,” Smith said. “This podcast is doing big things. That makes y’all a target because, unfortunately in this world, on far too many occasions. People’s definition of happiness is bringing others down to their level of misery instead of elevating themselves to your level of satisfaction, contentment, happiness, etc. And when you’re that kind of target, you have to see before you act.”
Smith noted that the transition from professional athlete to commentator is particularly difficult. Because former players are often asked to suppress the instincts that once made them successful.
“One of the things that as athletes, I think is incredibly unfair to y’all. Y’all made y’all livelihoods in your lives, not totally, but to some degree, based off instinctually, your ability to act instinctually,” he said. “Then you get away from the game, and you’re discouraged from doing exactly the thing that made you successful. You’re surrounded by people who have an authority over you that have no concept of that because they didn’t do what y’all do. But what you got to remember is it’s okay, because it’s an indication that it’s time to start anew.”
The ESPN analyst also stressed that criticism is an inevitable part of success in media, and that former athletes must learn to manage it without losing focus.
“We got purpose, and I know that, and so I’m telling you, remember that, because they gonna come,” Smith said. “The more you climb, the more successful you are. They gonna come to get you. You understand. And it’s gonna take everything. Sometimes you gonna be shaking because you want to go at some people so bad, and you got to refrain.”
Smith’s insights reflect a broader trend in sports media, where former athletes are increasingly valued for their firsthand experience but are also subjected to intense scrutiny. Ultimately, Smith argued that success in sports broadcasting requires preparation, resilience, and the ability to embrace new challenges. While former athletes may face unique hurdles, he said, they also have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and make a lasting impact in media.
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