12/21/24
April 17, 2009
ESPN Plans to Bounce Stephen A. Smith: The sports blogs The Big Lead and Deadspin are both reporting that Stephen A. Smith and ESPN couldn't reach a deal to renew Stephen A. Smith's contract, which expires after the NBA playoffs. Stephen A. Smith, who as recently as two years ago had a newspaper column in Philadelphia and a TV show and radio show on ESPN, has lost all three gigs. For fans of Stephen A. Smith who can't get enough Stephen A. Smith, Stephen A. Smith still has a blog.
posted by rcade to basketball at 11:10 AM - 31 comments
Oh, I'm sure that TNT will come a callin for him. Probably a few teams will even want him on their broadcast team.
posted by NoMich at 11:30 AM on April 17, 2009
I disagree since I happen to enjoy Stephen A.'s verbal antics. The man seems to always have something to say and even though he tends to raise his voice a bit to get his point across, he does have good points, holds intelligent conversations and has profound knowledge of the game of basketball. Maybe ESPN and Stephen A. will be able to renew a deal during the playoffs or afterwards because I'm more than sure that Stephen A. would have no problem finding a job elsewhere. Useful, charismatic and intelligent individuals always bounce back and IMO, Stephen A. is no different.
posted by BornIcon at 11:50 AM on April 17, 2009
Thank God. Stephen A. Smith could only focus on Stephen A. Smith. Hire someone that focuses on the game. I'm not holding my breath... they'll probably hire another no-talent ass clown.
posted by dusted at 01:30 PM on April 17, 2009
Never cared for the dude. I would say that his knowledge was about 50/50. Sometimes he would offer up some real insight and logic, albeit too arrogantly and with a bit much in the vitriolic flourish department. And other times he was a loud-mouthed boob of Kornhiser proportions.
He was the leading cause of channel changing in the THX-1138 household, so now maybe the batteries on my remote won't need to be changed as often. I guess I owe Stephen A. a debt of gratitude for the economic windfall about to befall me.
posted by THX-1138 at 01:57 PM on April 17, 2009
The problem with this news is, as suggested above, ESPN has a whole traffic pattern of loud opinion blatherers stacked up over Bristol waiting to land in a seat.
posted by yerfatma at 02:52 PM on April 17, 2009
I couldn't stand Smith's radio show. The weird way he used exaggeratedly complex words to make himself sound smart drove me nuts. I could never figure out if there was a black culture thing going on with the way he talks or if it was just a shtick he adopted.
posted by rcade at 03:02 PM on April 17, 2009
Schtick!
C'mon. Nobody talks like that.
And I loved the headline. Set up the 'prestige' nicely.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 05:22 PM on April 17, 2009
Any nuggets of wisdom smith had were smothered (for me) by his obnoxious persona. Good riddance. I'm simply amazed there are people that will miss him.
posted by justgary at 07:49 PM on April 17, 2009
I could never figure out if there was a black culture thing going on with the way he talks or if it was just a shtick he adopted.
What are you trying to imply? That people of color cannot use "big words" in a simplistic, sports-related conversation because it's only used in order to "sound smart"? There are individuals that like or dislike certain people in broadcasting (which is totally the norm) but to insinuate that Stephen A. only used words that even 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion Sameer Mishra, would have trouble spelling is ludicrous. The man is an educated black man in a cut-throat business and IMHO, he was one of the best to give insight in the sport of basketball. I agree that when Stephen A. was having other sports-related conversations, he wasn't always the best source but the man never failed to have an opinion.
I'm simply amazed there are people that will miss him.
And I'm amazed that there are people that dislike him this much. I honestly never thought he was doing a bad job.
posted by BornIcon at 09:05 AM on April 20, 2009
Cant stand him and won't miss him at all. He is the Samuel Jackson of sport(without the talent). He is always yelling and in you face and in my opinion comes off as a racist. Any time he reports on anything, he tries to make it a race issue. It really bothers me. I dont know how to really word my thoughts without people coming after me and saying I am a racist but I wont miss Stephen A.
Its time for Stephen B Smith
posted by Debo270 at 09:26 AM on April 20, 2009
Cant stand him and won't miss him at all. He is the Samuel Jackson of sport(without the talent). He is always yelling and in you face and in my opinion comes off as a racist. Any time he reports on anything, he tries to make it a race issue. It really bothers me. I dont know how to really word my thoughts without people coming after me and saying I am a racist but I wont miss Stephen A.
You're right on that last sentence; I really don't know what you are trying to say with your Samuel L Jackson reference, but the way it's written, it really sounds out of line.
I don't watch much NBA basketball, so I haven't seen a lot of Stephen A Smith. My only real exposure is when he is the occasional substitute host on PTI. In the land of substitute PTI hosts, he is among the better ones (not that that bar is particularly high, but take it for what it's worth). As for his racist opionions that you mention, I've never noticed that. You've probably seen more of him than me, but that's my take.
He's not my favorite ESPN personality (although perhaps moreso that he predominantly covers a league I don't follow), but he seems to know about as much about what he's talking about as the majority of other people at ESPN. I would imagine if his contract is not renewed, he won't have too much trouble finding a new gig.
posted by bender at 10:16 AM on April 20, 2009
The sam jackson reference is that he never talks. He just yells. He always sounds like he is yelling at the camera and just pissed off.
posted by Debo270 at 11:23 AM on April 20, 2009
The sam jackson reference is that he never talks. He just yells. He always sounds like he is yelling at the camera and just pissed off.
I totally got the Sam Jackson reference and actually agree with that. As funny as it sounds, he does have the same Sam Jackson vibe.
Now, as far as the racist aspects of it, I do disagree with that. Stephen A. may have alot to say when the topic of race comes up but so what, is he not supposed to have an opinion? He's not making any medicore, racist comments, he gives an honest opinion about a not-so-popular subject. I've noticed how when race is the subject at hand, most (not all but most) white people have a problem with it. Race may be a sensitive issue but it should me way more sensitive to black people than it is to white people but white people are the first to cringe whenever it's brought up and that's what I find humorous.
Instead of embracing an individual like Stephen A. that will be as real to you as possible, people want to shun him as just another talking head and cannot wait until he is no longer on television. The moment he is not on TV anymore, that's when people start saying, "I wish that there were more people like Stephen A. on TV, you know, a person that's just not afraid to say what's on their mind"
posted by BornIcon at 12:16 PM on April 20, 2009
ESPN went into this showmanship over sharing actual knowledge thing quite some time ago. I remember the good old days when they had David Aldridge reporting on the NBA. He was informed and gave out plenty of good information. And, in ESPN's world, that means that you are just boring. I can't remember ever learning anything from Stephen A.
posted by bperk at 12:38 PM on April 20, 2009
I've noticed how when race is the subject at hand, most (not all but most) white people have a problem with it.
I sort of agree but feel that white people have more of a problem with it because one wrong comment or one sentence taken out of context can be a career ender. When a white news anchor, coach, media type says something, jesse jackson, al sharpton, and the NAACP are there to make it more of an issue then it is where if the roles were reversed, the issue would not be as blown out of proportion.
If Stephen A had called syracuse women nappy headed ho's, it wouldnt have been as big a deal as when don Imus(who i also cant stand) said it. I think whites skirt race issues more because whites are why there are race issues i the first place and are persucuted more when they say it.
posted by Debo270 at 03:00 PM on April 20, 2009
I sort of agree but feel that white people have more of a problem with it because one wrong comment or one sentence taken out of context can be a career ender.
A valid point but truth is the truth and regardless if you're black, white, latino, asian or any other race, the truth shall set you free...or so I've heard.
I think whites skirt race issues more because whites are why there are race issues i the first place and are persucuted more when they say it.
And Bingo was his name-o! The discussion of race should not be skirted around though, it should be dealt with head on. I grew up in an entirely latino & black ghetto, I didn't even have any white friends until I got to Middle school. Did that affect me in any way? No because if you're a good dude, it doesn't matter what your background is to me or my friends, you're a good dude!
Now we were discussing as to how Stephen A. brings up race when in fact race is brought up to him. To a black person, race is brought up on pretty much in everyday life and having an individual like Stephen A. have an open forum to discuss issues like race relations in sports, is an important topic for me, as it should for all of us. We are no better or no worse than any other races out there so to have an honest, clear view thinking of how things are and how things should be is welcomed in any aspect.
posted by BornIcon at 04:09 PM on April 20, 2009
I think whites skirt race issues more because whites are why there are race issues i the first place ...
Racism is an equal opportunity poisoner of minds. There are racists of every color hating every other.
posted by rcade at 05:00 PM on April 20, 2009
Racism is an equal opportunity poisoner of minds. There are racists of every color hating every other.
True but if we truly look at history, whites have always been on the forefront of racial hate. No one can ever erase history, we can only attempt to move on from that period of time where hate against different races was commonplace. To have individuals that are outspoken about race issues like Stephen A. Smith is a good thing as long as those issues are being spoken about in a civil manner.
posted by BornIcon at 08:17 AM on April 21, 2009
whites have always been on the forefront of racial hate
Well, we had most of the good schools for a long time. But I'm seeing some fantastic work being done in Asia and Africa nowadays.
posted by yerfatma at 08:49 AM on April 21, 2009
Gee, and here I thought I didn't like Stephen A. because he has an opinion that I don't agree with. And that when he let's me hear about his opinion he has to yell and act outraged. Who knew I'm actually a racist.
Damn me and my white skin for causing all these problems.
Seriously though, I knew it was going to be a matter of time til this turned into a discussion of race. I think whites tend to skirt race issues because when we start to voice any kind of opinion we are labeled as either racists or disingenuous. I also skirt religious and political topics because no good ever seems to come of the discussion. Instead, I'll let my actions speak for themselves. Fire away.
posted by THX-1138 at 02:36 PM on April 21, 2009
Gee, and here I thought I didn't like Stephen A. because he has an opinion that I don't agree with. And that when he let's me hear about his opinion he has to yell and act outraged. Who knew I'm actually a racist.
I just re-read this thread twice. Someone called Stephen A. a racist, but I can't find anyone saying anything like this.
posted by bperk at 04:29 PM on April 21, 2009
You know, you guys tend to get hyper sensitive about some issues. It's like conflict is something sought out.
bperk, for clarity: Seriously though,.....
My intent by using this as a follow up statement was to indicate that I wasn't to be taken too seriously in my previous statement, which was an admittedly reactionary response to:
I've noticed how when race is the subject at hand, most (not all but most) white people have a problem with it. Race may be a sensitive issue but it should me way more sensitive to black people than it is to white people but white people are the first to cringe whenever it's brought up and that's what I find humorous.
and:
whites have always been on the forefront of racial hate.
Stephen A. is called a racist by someone and automatically white people are up to their same old tricks. I'm not trying to dismiss an actual problem. But I don't think we always have to presume that it is the underlying reason for what motivates a particular race.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:02 PM on April 21, 2009
There are whole books devoted to the phenomenon of white people learning young that race is a taboo subject not to be discussed. A white kid says to his/her parents loudly, "why is that person's skin that color?" or "why is that person dirty?" and the kid's parents shush him/her. Kid learns not to talk about skin color. As a result, you end up with adults who don't feel comfortable talking about race at all. I don't think you can draw any sinister conclusions from it, but I do believe it is an accurate generalization.
Then you take a white person not comfortable talking about race and add a black person who does, and you end up with Stephen A. somehow being a racist. It's almost pointless to have these discussions, but I am always drawn to them. Usually to have a good argument, you have to agree on some basic facts or premises or you end up arguing around each other. Of course, on these race threads, we definitely don't start with agreement on any basic facts or premises.
posted by bperk at 05:41 PM on April 21, 2009
That's why I blame the Catholic Republicans. Just the Asian ones, though.
Good idear #374:
John Madden and Stephen A. should team up for Fox's Sunday baseball broadcasts. Imagine the high level of info we would be getting.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:46 PM on April 21, 2009
Stephen A. is called a racist by someone and automatically white people are up to their same old tricks
No one ever implied that "white people are up to their same old tricks", it was an honest observation as to how white people deal with race. I understand why people do not like to have discussions like this but they are important to have.
The topic was brought up about how Stephen A. has a tendacy of bringing race when he speaks and that he is somehow a racist. A black man having dialog about race = racist? Conversations about race relations have always lead to heated debates and I've always found that interesting because I'm more than sure that we all would love to live in a world where race wasn't even a factor and we would see past people's skin color and just see them for the person that they are.
posted by BornIcon at 08:55 AM on April 22, 2009
The topic was brought up about how Stephen A. has a tendacy of bringing race when he speaks and that he is somehow a racist. A black man having dialog about race = racist?
No, a black man having a dialogue about race that exhibits his own prejudice equals racist. You don't seem to want to consider the possibility that some of Smith's own comments treat blacks differently than he'd treat whites.
If you want an open dialogue about race here, you shouldn't shortcut people who want to hold Smith to the same standard he holds others.
Fair is fair.
posted by rcade at 10:58 AM on April 22, 2009
If you want an open dialogue about race here, you shouldn't shortcut people who want to hold Smith to the same standard he holds others.
I'm not shortcutting anyone, I'm giving my honest opinion about how people seem to want to call Stephen A. racist just because he brings up race at times. I have never heard Stephen A. have "dialogue about race that exhibits his own prejudice", I have only heard him give his opinion about the differences in races when it came to sports.
I wasn't the one that brought race up to begin with, I spoke of it because Debo270 suggested that Stephen A. brings up race "any time he reports anything" and I find that to be untrue. Regardless if you're a Stephen A. Smith fan or not, the fact of the matter is, race is and always will be prevalant if people continue to judge one another by the color of their skin and not for the person that they are and when I've heard Stephen A. speak on subjects like this, he has always come across as intelligent, informative and as someone that has a strong opinion about the subject.
Fair is fair
I totally agree.
posted by BornIcon at 11:26 AM on April 22, 2009
I have never heard Stephen A. have "dialogue about race that exhibits his own prejudice", I have only heard him give his opinion about the differences in races when it came to sports.
I heard a long tirade by Smith on his radio show defending Barry Bonds that bordered on the absurd. It was as if Bonds had never done a single thing in his life that might have hurt his own rep. All Smith saw was race.
posted by rcade at 11:54 AM on April 22, 2009
I think whites tend to skirt race issues because when we start to voice any kind of opinion we are labeled as either racists or disingenuous. I also skirt religious and political topics because no good ever seems to come of the discussion. Instead, I'll let my actions speak for themselves.
And since my talking about it won't solve the problem, I generally avoid it. I still stand by what I said.
I wasn't the one that brought race up to begin with,
What are you trying to imply? That people of color cannot use "big words" in a simplistic, sports-related conversation because it's only used in order to "sound smart"?
Now, c'mon. That was you bringing up race was it not?
posted by THX-1138 at 01:44 PM on April 22, 2009
What are you trying to imply? That people of color cannot use "big words" in a simplistic, sports-related conversation because it's only used in order to "sound smart"?
I overlooked this question. Yikes! I knew someone would suggest that I have a problem with eloquent black people. I wondered myself -- as I listened to Smith use complex words in a way that sounds like he's showing off -- why his way of talking drives me up the wall.
I don't think many people who listen to him on the radio would not recognize that he's black. So there's a cultural difference between his manner of speech and that of the sea of white sports guys raised on Costas and Cosell, which I don't have a problem with. Difference is good.
But I think the word choice thing is separate. It feels to me as exaggerated as the weird way Jim Rome speaks -- bang your monkey, get in his grill, yadda yadda -- which is 100% shtick.
posted by rcade at 02:22 PM on April 22, 2009
Can we now git rid of Skip, the other 1st and 10 guy? I love listening to sports commentary like that, but he just makes me ANGRY.