Former MLB executive David Samson is taking direct aim at Stephen A. Smith, criticizing both his commentary style and his recent stance on Mike Trout. Speaking on his podcast, Nothing Personal, Samson voiced frustration with Smith’s continued prominence across ESPN programming following his comments regarding Trout.
He questioned why the outspoken analyst remains such a dominant presence in sports media.
“I’m tired of Stephen A. Smith and the gas baggery,” Samson said. “I’ve known him for a long time. I just don’t understand. It’s not him. He’s giving you what you want. Is he overexposed? You tell me. He certainly gets paid more than I do and more than just about everybody in the industry.”
While Samson acknowledged Smith’s success, he pointed to what he sees as oversaturation. Smith’s visibility, he argued, reflects audience demand as much as network strategy. Still, Samson openly wondered whether that level of exposure actually benefits viewers.
Samson then turned his attention to Smith’s recent comments urging Trout to push for a move away from the Los Angeles Angels. The take, which has circulated widely across debate shows and social platforms, centers on maximizing Trout’s career through postseason opportunities.
However, Samson strongly rejected that viewpoint.
“Stephen A. Smith calling out Mike Trout because he’s such a great talent and that he won’t demand a trade to get himself out of LA. How dare you,” Samson said. “What if he’s happy?”
Samson framed the criticism as tone-deaf. He argued that not every elite athlete prioritizes championships above all else. In Trout’s case, the longtime Angels star has remained with the organization by choice, signing a massive long-term contract to stay in Southern California.
Moreover, Samson questioned whether media pressure should influence those decisions. He suggested that telling a player to force a trade crosses into unnecessary interference.
“Why can’t you be okay that someone could be happy in a way that you can’t understand or that you’re not happy,” Samson said. “It shocks me that there is an audience to listen to that drivel that you think, “Oh, yeah, that tracks. That makes sense. Screw Mike Trout.'”
In the end, Samson’s remarks reflect a deeper frustration with Smith’s style as he continues to draw attention and ratings. Critics like Samson question the substance behind the noise.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
