Stephen A. Smith took to his podcast to share his belief that the ICE officer involved in the shooting death of a Minnesota woman was justified in his actions. Keith Olbermann says that should be the last straw for ESPN.
In the aftermath of the controversial shooting earlier this week, Smith argued that the officer who shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good acted properly in the heat of the moment when he fired three bullets at her, striking and killing her in the process.
The shooting has caused plenty of arguments, conversations, and discussions on social media, cable news programs, and podcast episodes in the days following the incident.
On social media, Keith Olbermann argued that it was clear that “It’s time for ESPN to fire Stephen A. Smith.” He stated that he was “speaking for a lot of people who actually built the place.”
“He is now damaging the brand in a way his on-air cartoon character could never approach,” Olbermann concluded.
Stephen A. Smith is not yet fully through the first year of a five-year, $100 million contract extension he signed with ESPN in March 2025. He additionally holds a deal with SiriusXM to broadcast a show on Mad Dog Sports Radio, as well as a weekly politically-focused program.
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.
One point missing from this article is that ESPN, whether one agrees with them or not for doing so, disciplined other on-air hosts in the past for offering non-sports commentary so, if that’s the standard for any on-air personality there, then why does it not apply here?
Stephen A. is an empty headed blowhard. He should have been fired years ago. His candor and rudeness toward sports athletes is deplorable. His jealousy and deep rooted insecurities is obvious and exhausting to listen to. why put this loud mouth ignoramus on such a prominent platform. The sound of his voice grates my nerves.