US Edition“Podcast and Foolery Got Him on His Way Out of a Job”: NBA Fans Fired Up as Stephen A. Smith Gets Unexpected Demotion From ESPN
Stephen A. Smith negotiated a contract limiting his NBA Countdown appearances to avoid late studio hours and prioritize his SiriusXM shows, confirming availability when needed.
- On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith addressed a New York Post report in his 'Straight Shooter' video, saying he decided he did not want to do 'NBA Countdown' anymore and called it a 'non-story'.
- After contract talks that began in June last year, Stephen A. Smith said negotiations ended this year in March going into April and allow occasional appearances rather than a regular spot on ESPN.
- Noting time concerns, Smith listed his SiriusXM radio shows and 'Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith,' saying `I didn't want to be stuck in the studio until after midnight`.
- Smith noted potential cross-appearances, including on 'Inside the NBA,' and said he could still appear on programs as needed, despite changes affecting 'NBA Countdown.'
- Rejecting the 'yanked' narrative, Smith emphasized `So just to be clear, this story is a non-story` and added `I'm always available`, stressing his readiness with ESPN, the 'family.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Stephen A. Smith Issues Statement on NBA Countdown Omission After ESPN’s Announcement
Stephen A. Smith couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the New York Post splashing the word “surprise” across its headline about him being taken off ESPN’s NBA Countdown. In fact, Stephen A. sounded more amused than rattled. He practically shrugged at the whole situation, stressing that this move was set in stone months ago and shouldn’t be treated like some big shocker. He hasn’t been on the show all preseason or regular season anyway. So the New …
Stephen A. Smith off ‘NBA Countdown’ in ESPN surprise
ESPN announced this week that the "new-look 'NBA Countdown' team" will debut Wednesday, and Smith was noticeably missing from the lineup — which includes third-year host Malika Andrews alongside senior ESPN writer Brian Windhorst, 2023 NBA Champion head coach Michael Malone and former NBA champ Kendrick Perkins as analysts.
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