As I frequently visit barber shops across the nation on Saturday mornings to get a fresh cut, the topic of sports finds its way to cut through the local chatter. Although what usually starts off as a quiet prediction by one of the patrons regarding sports, often spews to an all out shouting match with no clear winner to be determined. Conveniently, some voices always seem to dominate the conversation, and to no surprise, he or she is often far from the truth. In the middle of that argument, someone always quotes or references a dubious remark made from ESPN sports analyst and author, Stephen A. Smith.
But who is Stephen A. Smith? Mr. Stephen A. Smith has become an authoritative figure in the world of sports due largely in part to his now standing decade long stint as the lead commentator on ESPN’s First Take program. Stephen A. Smith simply tells it like it is, with no apologies! A position that would make the average journalist squirm. Born in the Bronx, New York by way of Queens, Stephen A. Smith was and still is today a prodigy of making it, against all odds. With a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University in 1991, Stephen A. Smith has worked his way up through the ranks of print, radio, and now the face of the top ranked sports television program in the Nation. So what makes Stephen A. Smith, an authoritative in sports, one might ask? To answer the question, we must first define the premise of an authoritative. An authority in any arena is defined as someone or some entity who’s opinion or statements regarding a specific topic are respected and valued by industry peers. Dating back to the year 1994, Stephen A. Smith has done the legwork of studying the sports landscape like no other. From his position as a writer with The New York Daily News, to his current position as the co-host of the popular First Take, Stephen A. Smith adds value as an investigative reporter and student of journalism. Since joining ESPN in 2003 as an analyst for the network’s NBA Shootaround pregame show, Stephen A. Smith has spent his career building relationships with athletes and executives in the world of sports.
Stephen A. Smith has propelled himself as a network star that has revolutionized the way sports are broadcasted. Stephen A. Smith is known as one of the most influential figures in sports television with the salary to match. And rightfully so! But once again I ask, what makes Stephen A. Smith must see Tv? The answer is simple, he says what you want to say, in a philosophical way! For years, sports personalities have been shielded by the guards of their celebrity status. That’s until Mr. Stephen A. Smith came along. Although, I do have a bullseye on every comment sputtered by the sports juggernaut regarding his blasphemous comments on my beloved Dallas Cowboys; however, I tend to side with his opinions on just about every comment otherwise. Stephen A.’s commentary on controversial sports figures has become legendary in that he proposes questions and scenarios that most can’t avoid? The who, what, where and how are customary; nevertheless the reasoning and logic is where many fail to expect true concise answers the general public want answers too. Stephen A. Smith has a way of conducting interviews that make sports figures feel comfortable and candid about topics that have been under lock and key. The reason for this is Stephen’s approach and reputation of being grounded in the culture.
Stephen A. Smith came into the journalism arena with a vision. A vision that involved changing the narrative, challenging the status quo. Through chasing his vision, Stephen A. encountered many setbacks, including a failed stint at his first gig at ESPN, the Quite Frankly show which was canceled in 2007 due to lower than expected ratings. The average Joe would have thrown in the towel; however, Stephen A. Smith had a higher purpose, and when the opportunity presented itself again, he knew it was all or nothing. The call came in for an opportunity to co-host the First Take show at ESPN. Since joining the cast, Stephen A. Smith has become the most polarizing figure in sports journalism with his signature boisterous all-in your face commentary. Stephen A.’s style of critical and persuasive writing is unparalleled to any. To watch an interview conducted by Stephen A. Smith is sheer entertainment that leaves both the guest and audience in awe by the amount of research and fore story that could only come from experience and a driven dedication to exceed expectations.
To tell it like it is, that’s one thing, but to tell an unbiased story that is fair and just is another. Although, Stephen A. Smith has his preferences and favorites which he makes no secret (Knicks, Yankees, etc.), he gives a fair shake to all. As a matter of fact, I believe he goes harder on his beloved interests more so than those he would consider adversaries. That is what I call a Great Journalist! In the past 20 years, Stephen A. Smith has continued to improve his craft as a statesman for journalism and more importantly, for those that will follow.
Stephen A. Smith’s memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, is now available for pre-order and releases on January 17, 2023.
Pre-Order Autograph Copy Here
In Straight Shooter, Stephen A. explains exactly how he climbed to the top of a media empire. This entertaining and revealing memoir addresses sports — the defining focus of Stephen A.’s life and career — but also touches powerfully on his childhood, family, and fatherhood, bringing readers behind the First Take desk and into his mind. From his own experience, he writes about knowing your value, spotting opportunities, building relationships, owning your brand, and promoting what you do best. Blending the provocative with the personal, this book is about how he overcame the odds by harnessing his integrity.
As Stephen A. says: “You can criticize me. You can crucify me. You can love me. You can hate me. Just don’t make the mistake of calling me inauthentic, because you’d be a damn liar.”
