Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Stephen A. Smith

How Stephen A. Smith built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent American sports media personality known for his work as a television and radio host, sports analyst, and commentator. He frequently appears on ESPN programs like SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and First Take, offering his opinions and insights on the NBA. He has also hosted his own radio show and contributes as a columnist for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer, solidifying his presence as a leading voice in sports commentary and analysis.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1994: Writer at The Philadelphia Inquirer

In 1994, Stephen A. Smith began working as a writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, reporting on the Philadelphia 76ers and eventually becoming a general sports columnist.

1999: Television Career on CNN/SI

In 1999, Stephen A. Smith started his television career on the now-defunct cable network CNN/SI.

April 11, 2005: Host of Radio Show on WEPN

On April 11, 2005, Stephen A. Smith became the host of a weekday noon to 2 p.m. radio show on WEPN in New York City with B.T. (Brandon Tierney).

August 2005: Host of Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith

In August 2005, Stephen A. Smith started hosting a daily hour-long show on ESPN called Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith.

January 2007: Cancellation of Quite Frankly

In January 2007, Stephen A. Smith's show, Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith, was cancelled, and he focused on basketball analysis for ESPN.

February 2, 2007: Acting Debut on General Hospital

On February 2, 2007, Stephen A. Smith made his acting debut on the ABC soap opera General Hospital as a television reporter.

August 23, 2007: Demotion at The Philadelphia Inquirer

On August 23, 2007, The Philadelphia Inquirer announced that Stephen A. Smith would no longer be writing columns and would be demoted back to the position of general assignment reporter.

September 20, 2007: Radio Show Shifted to 2-4 PM Slot

On September 20, 2007, Stephen A. Smith's radio show on WEPN was shifted to the 2–4 p.m. slot, with the second hour being broadcast nationally on ESPN Radio.

2007: Appearance in I Think I Love My Wife

In 2007, Stephen A. Smith was in the Chris Rock film I Think I Love My Wife.

Loading Video...

April 2008: End of Radio Show on WEPN

In April 2008, Stephen A. Smith's radio show on WEPN came to an end as he sought to expand his career in television.

2008: Departure from The Philadelphia Inquirer

In 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer ended its relationship with Stephen A. Smith, coinciding with the launch of his own blog, stephena.com.

April 17, 2009: Announcement of Departure from ESPN

On April 17, 2009, Stephen A. Smith announced on his website that he would be leaving ESPN on May 1, 2009.

May 1, 2009: Departure from ESPN

On May 1, 2009, Stephen A. Smith officially left ESPN.

November 2009: Contributor to Fox Sports Radio

In November 2009, Stephen A. Smith became an on-air contributor to Fox Sports Radio and broke the news of Allen Iverson's retirement.

January 4, 2010: Fox Sports Radio Morning Show Host

On January 4, 2010, Stephen A. Smith became a Fox Sports Radio morning show host, replacing Steve Czaban.

February 2010: Return to The Philadelphia Inquirer

In February 2010, Stephen A. Smith returned to The Philadelphia Inquirer after winning an arbitrator's ruling, with the agreement to remove his political views from his website and cable news shows.

February 1, 2011: Return to ESPN

On February 1, 2011, it was announced that Stephen A. Smith would return to ESPN as a columnist for ESPN.com and host local radio shows.

2011: FSR NBA Insider

In early 2011, Stephen A. Smith became a resident FSR NBA insider and ended his morning show.

April 24, 2012: Departure from LA 710 ESPN

On April 24, 2012, Stephen A. Smith left LA 710 ESPN.

April 30, 2012: Joins First Take

On April 30, 2012, it was announced that Stephen A. Smith would be joining First Take on a permanent, five-days-per-week basis under a new format called "Embrace Debate".

May 2012: The Stephen A. Smith & Ryan Ruocco Show

In May 2012, Stephen A. Smith replaced Robin Lundberg and debuted The Stephen A. Smith & Ryan Ruocco Show on 98.7 WEPN.

2013: Move to Sirius XM Radio

In 2013, Stephen A. Smith left ESPN for Sirius XM Radio, joining Chris Russo's Mad Dog Sports Channel.

August 6, 2014: Return to ESPN after Suspension

On August 6, 2014, Stephen A. Smith returned to ESPN after serving a one-week suspension for his controversial remarks.

2014: Oberto Beef Jerky Commercials

Beginning in 2014, Stephen A. Smith has appeared in a series of Oberto all-natural beef jerky commercials as "The Little Voice in Your Stomach", alongside sports figures.

2014: Multi-Year Deal with ESPN

In late 2014, Stephen A. Smith signed a multi-year deal with ESPN worth over $3 million per year.

March 31, 2016: Appearance as Brick on General Hospital

On March 31, 2016, Stephen A. Smith appeared as Brick on General Hospital, continuing to make guest appearances in the role in subsequent years.

Loading Video...

November 5, 2016: Joins Top Rank Boxing Broadcast

On November 5, 2016, Stephen A. Smith joined Top Rank's broadcasting team for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas boxing pay-per-view event.

January 17, 2017: Return to ESPN from Sirius XM

On January 17, 2017, Stephen A. Smith moved from Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports channel back to ESPN.

August 2017: Criticism of Zach Randolph

In August 2017, Stephen A. Smith criticized NBA player Zach Randolph after he was arrested for marijuana possession with the intent to sell.

2017: Wearing Aaron Rodgers' jersey on First Take

In 2017, Stephen A. Smith wore Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' jersey on two occasions on First Take: once after the Dallas Cowboys' elimination by the Packers, and once during a special taping in Dallas where he was booed.

2018: "Stay off the weed!" line at First Take

In 2018, after J. R. Smith's blunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Stephen A. Smith jokingly delivered his "Stay off the weed!" line at a live First Take taping, implying that Smith was high.

May 2019: Criticism of D'Angelo Russell

In May 2019, Stephen A. Smith criticized NBA player D'Angelo Russell, who was cited for marijuana possession inside his luggage at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

2019: New ESPN Contract and UFC Commentator Role

In 2019, Stephen A. Smith signed a new contract with ESPN worth approximately $60 million over five years. He also became a UFC commentator as ESPN became the UFC's television broadcaster.

2020: Academy Awards Commentator

In 2020, Stephen A. Smith served as a commentator for the after-party coverage of the 92nd Academy Awards on ABC.

June 10, 2021: Soccer Coverage

On June 10, 2021, Stephen A. Smith ventured into soccer coverage, selecting a Euro 2020 team.

June 14, 2021: "Ain't No Way" Soccer Segment

On June 14, 2021, Stephen A. Smith followed up his Euro 2020 team selection with another soccer segment called "Ain't No Way".

June 2021: Criticism of Alex Caruso

In June 2021, Stephen A. Smith criticized NBA player Alex Caruso after he was arrested in Texas for marijuana possession.

2021: Talks about hockey more often on First Take

In 2021, after ESPN acquired broadcasting rights for the NHL, Stephen A. Smith started talking about hockey more often on First Take and Stephen A.’s World, roasting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl after the Winnipeg Jets swept the Edmonton Oilers.

2022: Talks about hockey more often on First Take

In 2022, after ESPN acquired broadcasting rights for the NHL, Stephen A. Smith started talking about hockey more often on First Take and Stephen A.’s World.

May 2025: Comments on running for election

In May 2025, Donald Trump suggested Stephen A. Smith run in the next election, praising his entertainment skills. Smith later told CNN that he would run as a Democrat if he were to run, but is critical of the current Democratic Party. He also commented on the 2025 New York City mayoral election.

2025: New Contracts with ESPN and SiriusXM

In 2025, Stephen A. Smith signed a new contract with ESPN worth over $100 million over five years and a contract with SiriusXM worth $36 million over three years.