Stephen A. Smith referred to a Post report about a volatile phone conversation he had with ESPN colleague Pat McAfee a few weeks ago.
The Post reported that tensions escalated to the point where McAfee called Smith a “motherfucker,” so much so that Smith, through his own production company, will serve as an executive producer and will ultimately be involved in the creative side of the project, which is scheduled to air on ESPN. It was reported that the call arose from a difference of opinion.
In an interview with the Post, both parties suggested they had resolved their differences and denied that the rift led to McAfee’s banishment from Smith’s show “First Take.” The newspaper also heard about this matter.
Smith addressed the story Friday on his eponymous podcast.
“I have no objections. Pat McAfee is my teammate. Pat McAfee and I work together at ESPN. I will not be kicked out of ‘First Take’ or any other show. I would love to have him on First Take in the future, and I would love to have him on his show,” Smith said.
“I don’t know how many times I have to say this, but instead of just relying on the statements and quotes I put out through ESPN, I’m going to try again. I would like to say this: I support my teammates. I support my colleagues. I do not support anyone. People who do that are idiots. The tide is rising. and it lifts all boats.”
Mr. Smith went on to thank those who are successful with their own digital platforms, including Mr. McAfee, Ryan Clark, Shannon Sharpe, Bill Simmons, and Dan Le Batard. That’s because when the deal with ESPN came through early, it paved the way for Smith to increase his own income. next year.
“The business is evolving, and employees who had nothing to rely on other than their on-air talent have transformed into real businesspeople,” Smith said.
“It’s not hateful.”
Mr. Smith did not explicitly deny that there had been a heated phone conversation, but reiterated that he had no “animity” toward Mr. McAfee.
