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Dave Portnoy: Stephen A. Smith Owes Drake Maye an Apology

BSM Staff
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Dave Portnoy: Stephen A. Smith Owes Drake Maye an Apology

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is demanding that Stephen A. Smith issue a public apology to New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after the ESPN commentator labeled the rookie a “liar” during a recent episode of First Take.

Smith’s comments came after Maye said he did not know Cam Newton appeared on First Take. Smith bristled at the idea, arguing that First Take’s long-running success made the claim implausible. The segment quickly went viral, leading Portnoy to weigh in with pointed criticism.

“You don’t call a man a liar. He owes him an apology,” Portnoy said in a video posted to social media.

Portnoy argued that Maye’s comment was harmless and that Smith’s response was disproportionate, especially given the fluid nature of the show’s rotating cast since Skip Bayless departed. Portnoy believes casual sports fans and athletes should not be expected to track every on-air personality associated with ESPN’s flagship debate program.

“First Take since Skip [Bayless] left, it’s been a revolving door,” Portnoy said. “People in, out. Hand to God, I had no idea Cam Newton was on that show. I didn’t know the other guy [Ryan Clark], the Steelers guy who I’m forgetting his name. Who is always apologizing every three seconds. I didn’t know he was on that show. Dan Orlovsky is on that show. I know Stephen A. Smith does First Take, but I got no clue who his partner is at this point. I had absolutely no idea Cam Newton was on it, and didn’t even know Cam Newton worked for ESPN. I thought he did his own gig.”

Smith’s remarks follow a WEEI interview in which Maye, asked about Newton’s comments on the Patriots calling the team “fool’s gold” last week on ESPN. The comments circulated back to head coach Mike Vrabel being asked earlier in the week about them. WEEI host Andy Hart asked about the comments to Drake during an interview on Wednesday.

“Oh no, I don’t even know what show he’s [Newton] on,” Maye told WEEI. “I think they get paid to make remarks and make certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about we think and what my teammates think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”

Portnoy then widened his critique of Smith, saying that even among sports fans, awareness of Newton’s current media role is far from universal. He said that context matters when judging Maye, who has spent the early part of his NFL career managing practices, media responsibilities and the pressure of being the Patriots’ potential franchise quarterback.

“I think if you polled 100% of white sports fans, ‘What does Cam Newton do in media?’ 60 to 70% are not going to know,” Portnoy said. “Cam Newton, like really everybody knows Cam Newton is on that show, no f*****g chance.”

Smith has not responded to the commentary made by Portnoy.

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ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Extension With Rebecca Lobo

BSM Staff
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ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Extension With Rebecca Lobo

ESPN has secured one of the most respected voices in women’s basketball for the long term, announcing a multi-year contract extension with analyst Rebecca Lobo.

The move keeps Lobo in her familiar role as a lead voice on ESPN’s women’s college basketball and WNBA coverage. She will continue working regular-season broadcasts, Champ Week, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the WNBA Finals. She will also continue contributing across ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter and a variety of specials tied to the women’s game.

“Rebecca is one of the most influential voices in the game of women’s basketball,” said Meg Aronowitz, Senior Vice President, Production. “We could not be more thrilled that she will continue bringing her expertise to every game she calls on our air.”

Lobo’s presence has become synonymous with ESPN’s coverage of the sport, and she made it clear the feeling is mutual. “I have loved calling women’s college and WNBA games for ESPN the last 20-plus years,” she said. “It’s an honor to be a voice of this sport and to witness some of the greatest performances in the history of the game from a courtside seat. Working with Ryan Ruocco and Holly Rowe is a joy. I appreciate ESPN’s continued commitment to me and the women’s game.”

Her extension comes at a pivotal time for women’s basketball, with both the college game and the WNBA surging in visibility and cultural relevance. Lobo’s credibility, strong analysis, and skill at linking the sport’s past to its present have anchored ESPN’s coverage.

Since joining ESPN in 2004, Lobo has been a central figure on some of the network’s biggest stages. She has called multiple NCAA Women’s Final Fours, national championship games, and WNBA Finals. Lobo brings a rare mix of championship experience and polished broadcasting skill. Her on-air chemistry with Ruocco and Rowe has also become one of ESPN’s signature elements within its women’s basketball presentation.

Lobo’s resume extends far beyond the booth. Before transitioning to broadcasting, she starred at the University of Connecticut and helped lead the Huskies to an undefeated national championship season in 1995. She later became a foundational member of the New York Liberty and spent seven seasons in the league. Her career included a WNBA All-Star selection and an Olympic gold medal. Lobo is enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

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The Erick Erickson Show Raises More Than $265K for Hungry For A Day Charity

BNM Staff
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The Erick Erickson Show Raises More Than $265K for Hungry For A Day Charity

As Thanksgiving approaches, The Erick Erickson Show has seen widespread giving from the audience to the Hungry For A Day charity.

Listeners of the show have recently donated more than $265,000 to the charity. Each $40 donation made goes to feed a family of four this Thanksgiving.

“Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists—not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives,” said Erick Erickson. “In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”

Hungry For A Day works with local food banks to ensure that roughly 75,000 families will receive a Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie.

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Stephen A. Smith: Drake Maye Is a “Liar” for Not Knowing Cam Newton Is on ‘First Take’

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith: Drake Maye Is a “Liar” for Not Knowing Cam Newton Is on ‘First Take’

Stephen A. Smith did not hold back Thursday in criticizing New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye for claiming he was unaware that former NFL MVP Cam Newton is part of ESPN’s First Take.

During a segment discussing Maye, Smith called the Patriots signal caller a “liar” and questioned the credibility of a professional athlete who supposedly did not know the long-running show.

“He’s also a liar. First of all, not to brag. Pardon the Interruption is the number one show on ESPN, spanning 20 plus decades. First Take is the number one morning show. 13 years and counting. Don’t tell me you are an athlete and you don’t know that Cam Newton ain’t on the show. You lying,” Smith said during his on-air commentary.

The remarks follow a WEEI interview in which Maye, asked about Newton’s comments on the Patriots calling the team “fool’s gold” last week on ESPN. The comments circulated back to head coach Mike Vrabel being asked earlier in the week about them. WEEI host Andy Hart asked about the comments to Drake during an interview on Wednesday.

“Oh no, I don’t even know what show he’s [Newton] on,” Maye told WEEI. “I think they get paid to make remarks and make certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about we think and what my teammates think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”

Following Smith calling the Patriots quarterback a liar, he then said that the question asked by WEEI was taking Newton’s comment out of context.

“The media offers former professional athletes opportunities that corporate America, for the most part, ain’t doing, but a professional athlete performing because he and his feelings, because somebody might have critiqued him, or some weak ass reporter or pundit on radio, gonna ask the question out of context, out of context,” Smith said. “They misquote Cam, Because, like Cam said, he was talking about the Patriots, not him, and you gonna ask the question? Well, ask it accurately, instead of misrepresenting Cam Newton.”

The question asked by the WEEI host was indeed tied to Newton’s criticism of the Patriots, and not Maye specifically.

“Drake, your coach [Mike] Vrabel dismissed this question, but I felt like I’d give you the opportunity because you’re familiar with this guy. He played for the Patriots. Cam Newton said the Patriots are ‘fool’s gold.’ That was his words, not mine. Do you hear those things? Do you react those things? Any comment on that,” asked Hart.

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Stuart Scott ’30 for 30′ Documentary Coming December 10 on ESPN

BSM Staff
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Stuart Scott ’30 for 30′ Documentary Coming December 10 on ESPN

ESPN officially unveiled the official trailer for Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, the latest installment in its Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 documentary series. The film is set to premiere December 10 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN app, offering an intimate exploration of the life and legacy of Stuart Scott. A trailblazing SportsCenter anchor whose authenticity, wit, and signature phrases forever changed sports storytelling.

Produced and directed by Andre Gaines, Boo-Yah goes beyond career highlights to show the man behind the microphone.

The documentary features never-before-seen archival footage, including self-shot home videos. It shows Scott chronicling his rise and offers an unfiltered look at the journalist and cultural icon who inspired fans and broadcasters alike.

“Stuart Scott didn’t just change sports journalism — he changed culture,” Gaines said. “He made millions of people feel seen at a time when few voices like his were given the mic. What makes his story even more powerful is that Stuart was documenting his own life along the way — the father, the fighter, and the trailblazer who taught us all what authenticity looks like.”

The film chronicles Scott’s journey from local television in North Carolina to becoming one of ESPN’s most influential voices. At a time when hip-hop and pop culture were often sidelined by mainstream media, few Black anchors held national prominence. Scott brought both unapologetically to SportsCenter. He blended analysis, pop culture, and charisma in a way that resonated with a new generation of fans.

Boo-Yah features commentary and appearances from an extraordinary roster of friends, colleagues, and admirers. They include Charles Barkley, Chris Berman, Vince Carter, Linda Cohn, Common, Michael Eric Dyson, Herm Edwards, Rich Eisen, Kevin Frazier, Mike Greenberg, Jay Harris, Ernie Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Shaquille O’Neal, Robin Roberts, Jeremy Schaap, John Skipper, Kenny Smith, and Michael Smith..

Scott’s family — Jacqueline, Kimberly, Sydni, Synthia, Stephen, and Taelor Scott — share personal memories highlighting his humor, drive, and humanity.

The documentary also emphasizes Scott’s impact beyond the newsroom. He bridged sports and culture, transformed SportsCenter into must-watch television, and became a symbol of courage through his public battle with cancer, culminating in his unforgettable ESPYS speech: “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.”

The premiere coincides with ESPN’s 19th Annual V Week for Cancer Research and the fifth anniversary of Boo-Yah on December 10. It supports the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. ESPN will also release a merchandise collection honoring Jim Valvano and Stuart Scott at the Jimmy V Classic. One hundred percent of royalties will be donated to the V Foundation.

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The Charlie Kirk Show Remains in Triton Digital Top 5 During October Rankings

BNM Staff
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The Charlie Kirk Show Remains in Triton Digital Top 5 During October Rankings

Triton Digital has released its October rankings, and The Charlie Kirk Show remained one of the top programs for the month, in spite of the host’s assassination.

The show remained in the third position in the Top Podcasts by Weekly Average Downloads rankings for the month. It’s the same ranking the show had during the month of September. October marked the first full month following Kirk’s assassination on September 10th.

The only two programs that bested The Charlie Kirk Show during the month were NPR News Now and Up First from NPR, which also remained unchanged from the prior month.

Elsewhere in the rankings, Vince Coglianese’s program rose one position to 12th in the category, one spot behind the Global News Podcast from the BBC, which also saw an improvement of one place during October.

Kirk’s show also saw a gigantic increase in the Top Podcasts by Listeners/Viewers survey conducted by Triton Digital. The show finished the month 12th, a rise of 68 positions compared to the previous month. The Joe Rogan Experience earned the top spot in that ranking list, while The Daily was second.

The Ben Shapiro Show also saw a large rise in that category. It rose 29 positions to finish the month in the 13th place.

According to the data compiled by Triton Digital, news podcast listenership grew 7% during the third quarter.

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KMOX Partners Former and Current Hosts to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

BNM Staff
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KMOX Partners Former and Current Hosts to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

KMOX is still about a month away from the 100th anniversary of its sign on date. But that isn’t stopping the station from celebrating early.

On Thursday, November 20th (or, 11/20), the station is welcoming former hosts and longtime fixtures on the St. Louis news/talk station to help begin the celebration.

The date of 11/20 is a symbolic one, as the station is heard on 1120 AM, in addition to the 104.1 FM signal it added earlier this year.

The station shared that it has special programming planned for the entire day as it begins the recognition of its 100 years on the air.

“For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of,” said Becky Domyan, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy St. Louis. “We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.”

Originally signing on on Christmas Eve 1925, the station has several separate special programs planned to honor its legacy in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year, KMOX completed a move to the FM dial on 104.1 FM. The new signal is a full-market, 50,000-watt signal. Previously, the station was heard on an FM translator at 98.7 FM. That signal, however, only featured 250 watts of power.

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New Jersey 101.5 Adds Levon Putney As News Anchor

BNM Staff
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New Jersey 101.5 Adds Levon Putney As News Anchor

New Jersey 101.5 is adding Levon Putney as an afternoon news anchor, Putney has revealed in a post on social media.

Putney will work as an afternoon news anchor, helming newscasts from 4:30-9:30 PM for the Townsquare Media news/talk station.

Levon Putney spent nearly 20 years working as a news anchor and reporter for WCBS 880 in New York before the station ceased operations last year. He also previously worked at 1100 WTAM in Cleveland.

Putney will also file reports for iHeartMedia news/talk stations from the company’s Manhattan offices, in addition to continuing to host his Reel Pod News Casts on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The former WCBS anchor/reporter shared that he expects to begin his duties with New Jersey 101.5 after Thanksgiving.

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Tony Randall Named New Afternoon Drive Host on Kat Country 103

BMM Staff
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Tony Randall Named New Afternoon Drive Host on Kat Country 103

Cumulus Media has named Tony Randall as the new On-Air Personality for the Afternoon Drive on KAT Country 103/KATM-FM in Stockton-Modesto, California. Randall will officially debut on Monday, December 1, hosting weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

His first show will air live from Walmart in Turlock, California, where Randall and the KAT Country 103 team will collect toy donations for Toys For Tots. Randall brings more than three decades of broadcasting experience to the role.

He previously co-hosted the nationally syndicated morning program, The Tony & Kris Show, which originated from KSON-FM in San Diego. He also served as an on-air personality for Cumulus Media’s WIVK-FM in Knoxville, Tennessee. Over his 31-year career, Randall has earned multiple CMA and ACM Awards for Best Morning Show, highlighting both his talent and longevity in the industry.

Andy Winford, Program Director at KAT Country 103/KATM-FM, expressed excitement about the hire.

“It’s a real win for Kat Country to have someone with Tony’s experience and skill on board, and I can’t wait to work with him!” Winford said.

Randall reflected on his career and the move back to California. “My Country radio career has been full of highs and lows. Getting the opportunity to join the incredible team at Kat Country definitely falls into the ‘highs’ category. I’m beyond excited to rejoin the Cumulus family and return to California! And I’m so grateful to Andy Winford I’m going to buy him that pony he’s been wanting,” he said.

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Paul Finebaum Believes Stephen A. Smith Comments Regarding Oxford, Mississippi Were “Racial”

BSM Staff
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Paul Finebaum Believes Stephen A. Smith Comments Regarding Oxford, Mississippi Were “Racial”

The future of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is one of the hottest topics in college football. Several reports have linked him to the open head coaching positions at Florida and LSU. The debate intensified Wednesday on ESPN’s First Take, where host Stephen A. Smith took aim at Oxford, Mississippi with guest Paul Finebaum. He suggested Kiffin might be better off elsewhere than Ole Miss.

“He’s in Oxford, Mississippi. OK? Let’s get this out of the way. Ladies and gentlemen — and y’all can’t say it … leave it to me, I’ll say it — the brothers ain’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi, for the most part,” Smith said during the Wednesday broadcast. “Compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana, let’s just call it what it is.”

Smith’s remarks drew swift criticism from SEC fans during The Paul Finebaum Show on Wednesday. Finebaum, who appeared alongside Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on First Take earlier in the day, rebuked Smith for making race a factor in the discussion of Kiffin’s options.

“I realize a lot of you did not see what Stephen A. said, but he clearly made it racial,” Finebaum said during the 4 p.m. ET hour. “He said, in his words: ‘the brothers do not want to go to Oxford, Mississippi,’ which I think has been proven completely incorrect. I’ve been to Oxford a million times, and it’s terribly unfair to bring up echoes of the ’60s and try to portray Oxford as that type of place today. It’s not. The South has changed. You can make your own interpretation, but to dump on Oxford while saying Gainesville and Baton Rouge would be a utopia is baffling to me.”

Finebaum’s comments followed a caller to his program who criticized Smith’s segment for perceived prejudice. “What’s wrong with Oxford, Mississippi? We’re SEC. We’re the best,” according to the caller.

Stephen A. Smith has not responded to Finebaum’s claim his comments were racial.

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