US EditionESPN's Paul Finebaum Calls Out Stephen A. Smith Over 'Brothers Ain't Trying To Go To Oxford, Mississippi' Comment
Stephen A. Smith's remarks linking race and recruiting at Ole Miss sparked debate with Paul Finebaum amid speculation about Lane Kiffin's coaching future.
- On Nov. 19, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith on First Take argued many Black players would avoid Oxford, Mississippi, prompting SEC Network host Paul Finebaum to say, `I realize a lot of you did not see what Stephen A. said, but he clearly made it racial.`
- Amid speculation over Lane Kiffin's future, reports showed his family traveling between Gainesville and Baton Rouge, while Ole Miss issued an ultimatum during Week 13 of the 2025 college football season.
- Smith illustrated his point with a roster example, citing Ole Miss running back Kewen Lacy while urging Kiffin to win a championship then move to Baton Rouge or Gainesville, Florida, later clarifying his generalization.
- On-Air pushback and social-media criticism followed as Paul Finebaum and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo debated Lane Kiffin's future on related segments, while First Take viewership averages over 400,000.
- Beyond the immediate debate, enrollment figures from a 2023 datausa.io study show Black students comprise 11% at Ole Miss, 18% at LSU and 6% at Florida, as Fox Sports commentator Tim Brando condemned the remarks as a racial low.
16 Articles
16 Articles
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As Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin's received significant interest LSU or Florida for their job openings, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith chimed in Wednesday on whether he thinks Kiffin will leave for another school.
Stephen A. Smith sparked controversy when he gave his take on LSU’s pursuit of Lane Kiffin
As Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin's received significant interest LSU or Florida for their job openings, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith chimed in Wednesday on whether he thinks Kiffin will leave for another school.
ESPN's Paul Finebaum Calls Out Stephen A. Smith Over 'Brothers Ain't Trying To Go To Oxford, Mississippi' Comment
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has taken offense to some comments by his colleague Stephen A. Smith. While discussing Lane Kiffin’s job prospects on ‘First Take’, Smith said he believes Kiffin is hindered at Ole Miss because “brothers ain’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi” and he’ll have trouble recruiting black players. “I’m going to bring it home, all right,” Smith said. “He’s in Oxford, Mississippi, ok? Let’s get this out the way. Listen, ladies …
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