High-profile sports analyst Stephen A. Smith recently expressed deep concerns and disappointment over ESPN’s recent decision to let go of over 20 esteemed TV personalities.
Smith, 55, took advantage of his YouTube platform, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” to communicate a poignant message to his former colleagues and express his concern about the potential threat to his position at the network.
“More is coming,” Smith ominously stated on his show before following with the shocking revelation, “And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next.”
Smith’s passionate speech was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of the industry but also a stern warning, particularly to his fellow Black colleagues. “Don’t ever, ever, ever in your life as a Black person take anything for granted. I told you before when white folks catch cold; Black folks catch pneumonia.”
Smith Pays Tribute to Departed Colleagues
Despite acknowledging the advance notice provided by ESPN’s parent company, Disney, about the impending layoffs, Smith remained adamant that his former colleagues deserved better.
Smith carefully avoided naming all the personalities who had left ESPN, likely for fear of inadvertently omitting someone. However, he took a moment to express his appreciation for Max Kellerman, a personality with whom Smith shared a notably strained relationship.
“I’m even gonna miss Max Kellerman,” Smith confessed. “We all know what history we had. We all know what happened with him and I parting ways on ‘First Take.’ I don’t want the brother unemployed. I want him gainfully employed.”
In a touching moment of solidarity, Smith admitted that despite their past differences, he held no ill will towards Kellerman and would not hesitate to assist him should the need arise.
Smith’s heartfelt revelation and his earnest tributes to his former colleagues provide a stark reminder of the precarious and unpredictable nature of the industry. His acknowledgement of the potential threat to his role at ESPN raises an intriguing question – if even Stephen A. Smith feels vulnerable, who at ESPN truly is untouchable?
