It’s the stat of a new era for Stephen A. Smith and ESPN.
Amid the shocking exit of Molly Qerim from ESPN, Smith’s expanded role with the broadcaster has been confirmed, as fans can now expect to see the sports personality almost everywhere from here on out.
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Stephen A. Smith is realising his new role with ESPN by covering the NFLCredit: Getty
Smith will be joining the popular Monday Night Football crew on ESPN, which includes the likes of Jason Kelce and Scott Van Pelt, for the Detroit Lions game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.
The 57-year-old will make at least three appearances with the crew this season for their standalone NFL window.
His other two appearances on MNF this season will be the Cardinals vs. Cowboys (Week 9) and Eagles vs. Chargers (Week 14).
This was an expected move after Smith signed a stunning $100 million contract with ESPN earlier this year.
As part of that contract, it was known to Smith that he would appear on more of ESPN’s programs across different sports, alongside his duties on First Take, the popular morning sports breakfast show.
“I’m going to be doing at least three Monday Night Football games this year,” Smith said in an interview with Front Office Sports.
“Those are just the three I know about. Knowing them at ESPN, they’ll want more.
“They’ll certainly want more of me on NBA Countdown. And so who knows? I mean, I’m doing First Take. But it’s ESPN. They know whatever they need me for—SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, NFL Countdown—it doesn’t matter.
“Whatever’s going to help make the network successful. Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus, Dave Roberts, Mike McQuade. They know me. They know I’ll do whatever they ask.”
Along with Kelce and Van Pelt, the MNF crew is also made up of Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter, Ryan Clark and Michelle Beisner-Buck.
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Smith has covered the NFL in the past including Super BowlsCredit: GETTY
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Jason Kelce has been a welcome addition on ESPN’s MNF programCredit: GETTY
The crew have already had their fair share of viral moments, like when Jason Kelce poked fun at the Cleveland Brown’s quarterback saga.
With the crew’s chemistry on display every week, judging by the reaction online, not everyone is pleased with Smith joining the MNF team.
“How much worse can ESPN make Monday night count down??? They got rid of Steve young and Suzy Kolber!! Now they add SA,” one user said on X.
“Let’s all ask ourselves, has one friend of yours that watches the NFL ever said “Damn I wish Stephen A was on more often,” another user posted.
“Just what we need. Someone who knows nothing about football talking football. Great idea ESPN!! Bunch of geniuses over there,” another wrote.
“Keep him away from the NFL! I swear, it’s a concerted effort to get people to hate all sports,” one user posted.
Could Smith join Inside the NBA?
With ESPN also licensing the popular studio show Inside the NBA from TNT, Smith said it is up to hosts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith, if he can make guest appearances.
“I only want what they want. They’re the A Team. They’ve been the A Team for decades for a reason. They’re absolutely wonderful, even though they were on a different network,” Smith added.
“They’re all personal friends of mine. Shaquille O’Neal and I, Kenny Smith and I, Charles Barkley and I, I go back 20-25 years with each of them, if not more.”
“If they ever need me to come down to Atlanta, to be in-studio with them, to go to the playoffs or the finals with them, or whatever it is that they need, I will be there for whatever they want me to be there for.
“But it’s their show–and it’s their call. I totally understand that. That’s what I insisted upon. I will never do it unless they ask me to.”
As Smith alluded to, TNT will continue to own and operate the famous NBA studio program from Atlanta.
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ESPN keeps changing amid the departure of Molly QerimCredit: GETTYSmith shares more words for Molly Qerim
Smith’s interview with FOS also saw him address the exit of long-time colleague Qerim from ESPN.
“I know that I’m thankful for the ten years that we had together. We’ve had a great relationship over the years.
“I think she’s absolutely wonderful as a person and a human being. She’s obviously a significant part of the show. And I’m going to miss her,” he said.
Qerim quit ESPN after ten years as host of First Take and 19 years with the network in total.
While ESPN are tying down their other stars like Malika Andrews to new contracts, the search for a new host continues.
Names like ex-Fox Sports presenter Joy Taylor, or current ESPN employees Shae Peppler Cornette and Courtney Cronin, are being touted to replace Qerim.
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