Podcast Summary: The Best of SBS: Stephen A. Smith

Introduction In this compelling episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, host Dan Le Batard engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned sports commentator and author, Stephen A. Smith. Released on July 10, 2025, the episode delves into Stephen A.'s formative years, career trajectory, personal philosophies, and the challenges he's faced both professionally and personally.

Early Life and Formative Experiences

Stephen A. Smith opens up about his challenging childhood, emphasizing the profound impact of academic struggles and familial relationships on his character and ambitions.

• Academic Hurdles: Smith recounts being held back twice due to his reading level, a humiliation that left a lasting scar. "Getting left back in the fourth grade... The humiliation that I felt at that particular moment in time definitely impacted me." (02:53)

• Parental Influence: He contrasts his father's negligence and lack of belief in him with his mother's unwavering support. This dichotomy instilled in him a strong belief in the traditional role of a man as a provider and protector. "I am one of those guys who firmly believes that a man has a role, and his role is to provide for and to protect his family." (02:53)

• Impact of Poverty: Reflecting on his upbringing in poverty, Smith highlights the survival mentality it fostered. "Limited amount of food... Government cheese... not having fresh clothes to wear." (07:11)

Career Journey and Challenges at ESPN

Stephen A.'s professional journey is marked by significant achievements and daunting setbacks, particularly his departure from ESPN in 2009.

• Rise to Prominence: From humble beginnings as a beat writer for various newspapers, Smith ascended to become one of ESPN's most recognizable faces on First Take.

• 2009 Departure from ESPN: The end of his ESPN tenure was a tumultuous period reminiscent of his childhood struggles. Smith shares the anxiety of abruptly losing his $1.1 million salary and facing public speculation about his professionalism. "When ESPN let me go in 2009, that is the closest that I've ever felt to how I felt as a youngster growing up poor in New York City." (05:03)

• Fear of Identity Loss: Beyond financial concerns, the loss at ESPN threatened his sense of identity. "I had a lopsided amount of yourself tied up in this dream and the idea of... who you were on television." (10:28)

Personal Philosophy and Relationships

Stephen A. delves into his personal values, particularly his respect for women, his stance on masculinity, and his relationships within the industry.

• Respect for Women: Addressing past controversies, Smith vehemently denies any association with domestic violence, stressing his consistent respect and support for women in his life. "Any woman that knows me would tell you that. And I've never hit a woman in my life, ever." (22:22)

• Relationship with Father: While he loved his father, Smith harbored resentment towards his father's negligence and its impact on his family. "My anger, my vitriol towards him... was his treatment towards my mother." (14:02)

• Industry Relationships: Discussing friendships and rivalries, Smith acknowledges a broad network of allies while maintaining boundaries to preserve personal integrity. "My friends are in abundance... I have a few no good bastards that I can't stand." (42:33)

Controversies and Public Perception

Stephen A. addresses specific incidents that led to public scrutiny, clarifying his intentions and the misunderstandings that arose.

• Ayesha Curry Incident: Smith explains a miscommunication during a debate that led to misinterpretations about his stance on gender issues. "I mistakenly uttered the word 'provoke.' But I certainly did not advocate in any way that what Ray Rice did was okay." (20:08)

• Ray Rice Misstatement: He recounts the backlash from an offhand comment that was misconstrued, leading to unwarranted associations with domestic violence. "It's the most offensive thing that I've ever had. I have never hit a woman in my life." (22:50)

• Response to Controversies: Emphasizing accountability, Smith discusses how he chose to address mistakes publicly and the personal toll it took. "I'm not apologizing for it. I'm not taking it back I'm not stuttering." (26:22)

Views on Media and Journalism Ethics

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the state of sports media, the evolution of debate shows, and the ethical standards governing journalism.

• Evolution of Debate Shows: Smith critiques the shift from traditional journalism to entertainment-focused debate formats, highlighting the dilution of journalistic integrity. "The difference is that instead of writing 800 words... I get to talk for a few minutes on each subject." (50:46)

• Impact of Social Media: He comments on how platforms like YouTube have transformed content creation, allowing individuals to bypass traditional journalistic pathways. "People look at whatever it takes to monetize those products... how is that Skip Bayless and Stephen Ace Fault, or Dan Lebatard for that matter, or anybody else?" (53:27)

• Personal Accountability in Media: Smith underscores the importance of maintaining personal ethics despite external pressures, advocating for fairness and thoroughness in discussions. "If you're fair, if you're humane, if you're thorough... you've got to have something in you that says, kiss my ass." (36:50)

Relationships with Peers and Industry Dynamics

The conversation touches on Stephen A.'s relationships with colleagues like Skip Bayless and Max Kellerman, illustrating both camaraderie and professional disagreements.

• Conflict with Skip Bayless: Smith recounts a specific incident where Skip misinterpreted his comments, leading to tension. However, he emphasizes their longstanding friendship and mutual respect. "I've never regretted working with you... I appreciate I wouldn't be where I'm at today in this business." (45:53)

• Disagreements with Max Kellerman: He candidly discusses the incompatibility of his and Kellerman's styles for a debate format, expressing disappointment yet maintaining professionalism. "Stephen A. I love you to death... but you and I together, I'm not so sure." (59:06)

Personal Growth and Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, Stephen A. shares personal reflections influenced by his battle with COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of self-care and life balance.

• COVID-19 Experience: Contracting COVID led Smith to reevaluate his priorities, realizing the necessity of balancing work with personal well-being. "I gotta love me a bit more... because I can't take work with me to the graves." (60:45)

• Future Aspirations: He expresses a desire to expand his endeavors beyond ESPN, including acting and producing, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit. "I want to be an executive producer and to build my production company... I want to continue to build my podcast." (40:07)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual respect and well-wishes between Dan Le Batard and Stephen A. Smith. Smith promotes his memoir, Straight Shooter, inviting listeners to delve deeper into his life and experiences.

• Book Promotion: "If you want more insight into who he is... get Straight Shooter, a memoir of second chances and first takes." (63:55)

Notable Quotes

• "Getting left back in the fourth grade... The humiliation that I felt at that particular moment in time definitely impacted me." — Stephen A. Smith (02:53)

• "I am one of those guys who firmly believes that a man has a role, and his role is to provide for and to protect his family." — Stephen A. Smith (02:53)

• "When ESPN let me go in 2009, that is the closest that I've ever felt to how I felt as a youngster growing up poor in New York City." — Stephen A. Smith (05:03)

• "Any woman that knows me would tell you that. And I've never hit a woman in my life, ever." — Stephen A. Smith (22:22)

• "I've never been more offended than I was at that particular incident." — Stephen A. Smith (20:08)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a profound glimpse into Stephen A. Smith's life, exploring the intersections of personal struggle, professional triumphs, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in modern sports journalism. Through candid revelations and introspective dialogue, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the microphone.