Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Stephen A. Smith

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

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent American sports analyst, is a familiar face on ESPN. He's known for his role as an NBA analyst on shows like SportsCenter and First Take, where he co-hosts with Molly Qerim. Previously, he hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio. Additionally, Smith contributes as a columnist for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer, solidifying his presence across various media platforms within the sports world.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2013: Departure from ESPN for Sirius XM Radio

In 2013, Stephen A. Smith left ESPN for Sirius XM Radio, joining Chris Russo's Mad Dog Sports Channel, following controversial comments on ESPN2's First Take regarding the Ray Rice situation.

July 25, 2014: Controversial Remarks on First Take

On July 25, 2014, Stephen A. Smith made controversial remarks on First Take regarding domestic abuse in the Ray Rice case.

July 29, 2014: Suspension by ESPN

On July 29, 2014, Stephen A. Smith was suspended by ESPN for a week due to his controversial remarks.

2014: Release of DeSean Jackson

In 2014, DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

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 Chip Kelly's roster moves, suggesting they left some players feeling uncomfortable.

May 8, 2015: McCoy's Admission about Chip Kelly

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

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

On June 11, 2015, Stephen A. Smith received criticism for a comment he made about female soccer players during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup regarding them not wanting to mess up their hair.

August 2017: Criticism of Zach Randolph

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

2018: "Stay off the weed!" Line at First Take Taping

In 2018, following 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 in Oakland, implying J. R. Smith might have been high at the time.

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 at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

June 2021: Criticism of Alex Caruso

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

2024: Criticism of Kamala Harris

In 2024, Stephen A. Smith announced he voted for Kamala Harris in the election on Real Time With Bill Maher. He expressed disappointment in her performance, stating it made him "feel like [a] damn fool".

May 2025: Donald Trump's Comments and Smith's Political Stance

In May 2025, Donald Trump suggested Stephen A. Smith should run in the next election, praising his entertainment skills. Shortly after, Smith told CNN's Jake Tapper that if he ran, it would be as a Democrat, though he expressed dissatisfaction with the party's current state and described himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal.