Stephen A. Smith Goes Off On Haters Who Believe He Ruined Sports Media

Mon, March 27, 2023 at 10:45 AM

Stephen A. Smith is someone who has a lot of haters. Overall, this is because of his broadcasting style, which some feel isn't conducive to real sports discussion. After all, Smith is known for his hot takes and exuberant personality. Ultimately, he is a pioneer in the sports talk space. However, he has birthed a ton of clones who are trying to be just like him. Consequently, sports discussions have only gotten worse. This is not Stephen A.'s fault, although it is easy to see how some fans could come to that conclusion.

Recently, Smith was on Dan Le Batard's show. During his visit, LeBatard noted that he hatest what Stephen A. and Skip Bayless have done to sports media. Of course, Le Batard made it clear that he loves Smith and respects everything he has done. However, he is not a huge fan of what has happened to sports media in the wake of shows like First Take. At the time, Smith pled his case for why he is a net positive to the sports media word. Over the weekend, he took it a step further as he went on Know Mercy and ripped those who question him.

Stephen A. Attempts To Set The Record Straight

"Obnoxious, loud, demonstrative, bombastic, not good for television"...I've been called it all. Hell, ESPN fired me for it!

But I don't break journalistic tenets, I don't violate trust, I don't backstab, none of that. I'm real. pic.twitter.com/o7kPNBsJm4
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 27, 2023

"'Obnoxious, loud, demonstrative, bombastic, not good for television'...I've been called it all. Hell, ESPN fired me for it!" Smith wrote on Twitter. Throughout his rant, Smith noted that he has never betrayed the core tenets of journalism. Additionally, he referenced how he was fired in 2009 but was ultimately brought back because of his hard work. Stephen A. is confident that he has contributed to the sports media world in nothing but a positive fashion. In fact, the whole segment seemed to be a response to Le Batard directly, although Le Batard made an effort to show Smith some respect. Overall, Stephen A. may have missed the Miami legend's initial point.

Either way, there is no doubt that Smith is confident in what he does. He is never going to compromise who he is, and you have to respect him for that. Stephen A. and Skip are legends of the sports broadcasting space and if you love First Take, then you already know this. Let us know what you think of Smith's rant, in the comments down below.