Stephen A. Smith denied criticizing fellow ESPN host Pat McAfee, saying he is excused for being “unsophisticated” in his political views because he is white. .
Smith, the host of “First Take,” defended his comments, saying “the rules are different” when it comes to African Americans in the media.
“Did you expect me to apologize for that?” Smith said on the podcast. “Stephen A. Smith Show” on Thursday.
“I’m not talking about Pat McAfee.”
Smith was asked about McAfee during an appearance earlier this week. on the podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys.”
“I love Pat McAfee, love him to death. I love his swag. I love that he’s an honest big brother. He doesn’t give as much effort as he’s given…that’s my type. What?” Smith said on the podcast.
“That works for me. Now, is he as politically sophisticated as I am? No, because he has no desire to be…”
“Honestly, he doesn’t have to be that sophisticated” because “he’s white and I’m black,” Smith said.
“It had to be that way. So I understand all of that and I’m not going to blame him for that.”
The Post has reached out to McAfee and ESPN for comment.
McAfee has been at the center of controversy following his interview with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his show, and Rodgers appeared on ABC late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel on Jan. 2. hinted that his name was somehow connected to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s associate list.
Mr. Rogers, who did not hesitate to make light of sensitive topics during his regular appearances on Mr. McAfee’s show, denied that the cartoon had ever implied that he was a pedophile and that people who did so criticized, but did not issue an apology.
Mr. Kimmel criticized Mr. Rogers and threatened to sue him.
The war of words between Kimmel and Rodgers also caused tension between McAfee and ESPN.
McAfee accused Norby Williamson, ESPN’s head of event and studio production, of trying to “sabotage” his show and claimed that Williamson doesn’t respect him.
ESPN, which is owned by ABC’s parent company Disney, said it would handle McAfee’s comments internally.
McAfee is in the first year of a five-year, $85 million contract that will see ESPN license his independent programming.
The deal was announced last May, and McAfee’s show first aired on ESPN last September.
McAfee’s $17 million-a-year ESPN contract is more than Smith’s $12 million-a-year salary, but Smith has said in the past that given the ratings he earned on “First Take” and the All Sports Channel coverage. He had complained that the department’s compensation was undervalued. NBA.
Mr. Smith insists he is not jealous of Mr. McAfee’s reported salary. On the contrary, Smith said he is grateful to McAfee for “setting the market” and paving the way for bigger paydays in the future.
with post wire
