Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Stephen A. Smith

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 20, 2026

Public opinion and media debates around Stephen A. Smith—discover key moments of controversy.

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent American sports television personality, radio host, analyst, and actor. He's known for his role as an NBA analyst on ESPN's SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and broadcasts. Smith also hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio and currently serves as a commentator on ESPN's First Take. Additionally, he is a columnist for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer, solidifying his presence across multiple platforms in sports media.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2004: Knowing nothing about the sport of hockey

Around 2004, Stephen A. Smith demonstrated a lack of knowledge about hockey by claiming that tie games still existed, despite the NHL abolishing them.

July 25, 2014: Controversial Remarks on First Take

On July 25, 2014, Stephen A. Smith made controversial remarks on First Take regarding domestic abuse, specifically about the Ray Rice situation, leading to criticism and an apology.

July 29, 2014: Suspended by ESPN

On July 29, 2014, Stephen A. Smith was suspended by ESPN for a week due to his controversial remarks, and he did not appear on their programs until August 6, 2014.

March 9, 2015: Comments on Chip Kelly's Roster Moves

On March 9, 2015, during an episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith commented on Philadelphia Eagles' coach Chip Kelly's roster moves, suggesting they made some "brothers feeling uncomfortable," leading to discussions about racial motivation.

May 8, 2015: McCoy Comments on Kelly's Roster Moves

On May 8, 2015, LeSean McCoy admitted in an interview with ESPN The Magazine that he believed some of Chip Kelly's roster moves were racially motivated.

June 11, 2015: Criticism for Comments on Female Soccer Players

On June 11, 2015, Stephen A. Smith received criticism for a comment he made on SportsCenter about female soccer players during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, joking that they "might not have wanted to mess up their hair."

August 2017: Criticizing Zach Randolph for marijuana possession

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

May 2019: Criticizing D'Angelo Russell for marijuana possession

In May 2019, Stephen A. Smith criticized NBA player D'Angelo Russell for being cited for marijuana possession at LaGuardia Airport.

June 2021: Criticizing Alex Caruso for marijuana possession

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

2024: Voting for Kamala Harris and expressing disappointment

In 2024, Stephen A. Smith announced he voted for Kamala Harris in the election but expressed disappointment in her performance, stating he felt like a fool.

May 2025: Donald Trump entertained the idea of Smith running in the next election

In May 2025, Donald Trump suggested that Stephen A. Smith should run in the next election, praising Smith's entertainment skills. Shortly after, Smith told CNN that if he ran, he would run as a Democrat, while expressing criticism toward the current state of the party.

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