The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Release Date: March 8, 2025

1. Contract Extension with ESPN and Walt Disney

Stephen A. Smith opened the episode by announcing his significant contract extension with ESPN and the Walt Disney family. He expressed profound gratitude towards key executives and his support team, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in his career.

• Acknowledgments:
  • Bob Iger, CEO of Walt Disney
  • Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN
  • Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney’s Entertainment
  • John Rosen, Agent from William Morris Endeavor
  • Johnny Barnes, Esteemed Lawyer

Notable Quote:

“I have no reason to be unhappy with the money that I'll be earning in the near future. And moments like that that you just take an opportunity to be humbled, recognizing that blessings like this don't come to everybody, but they've certainly come my way.”
— Stephen A. Smith [02:30]

SAS highlighted that the extension not only secured his financial future but also granted him the freedom to explore diverse projects outside the realm of sports broadcasting, such as his production company and potential acting ventures.

2. Confrontation with LeBron James

A pivotal moment of the episode was SAS's recounting of an unexpected confrontation with LeBron James during a Knicks vs. Lakers game. Addressing rumors, SAS clarified that LeBron did not use derogatory language but was visibly upset about comments SAS made regarding his son, Bronnie James.

Notable Quote:

“Stop effing with my son. That's my son. That's my son.”
— LeBron James [16:00]

SAS elaborated on the context, explaining that his critiques were centered on Bronnie's performance and development, not personal attacks. He emphasized his respect for LeBron as both an athlete and a father, acknowledging the emotional complexity of the encounter.

Impact on Relationships:

• Draymond Green expressed displeasure with SAS’s comments, leading to a strained relationship.
• SAS reflected on the lack of direct communication from players, contrasting it with his usual approach of resolving issues personally.

Notable Quote:

“I didn't want to address it. As I tweeted here, I wouldn't have either had it not gone viral.”
— Stephen A. Smith [18:45]

3. Interaction with Kenyon Martin and Gill's Arena

Following the incident with LeBron, Kenyon Martin, former NBA star, publicly criticized SAS on Gill's Arena podcast, questioning his remarks and approach.

Notable Exchange:

Kenyon Martin: “You had business to handle. My negotiations took a lengthy, lengthy, lengthy period of time.”
Stephen A. Smith: “I'm coming next week. I'll be calling Gilbert Arenas tonight or tomorrow.”
— Stephen A. Smith [44:42]

SAS assured his commitment to appearing on Gill's Arena, reaffirming his dedication to maintaining professional relationships despite personal disagreements.

4. Charles Barkley Criticizes ESPN's Coverage

Charles Barkley took aim at ESPN, specifically critiquing the network for overemphasizing narratives surrounding players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, as well as perpetuating the Jordan vs. LeBron debate.

Barkley’s Remarks:

“The only people who talk about LeBron and Michael are people on television who got no talent to talk about anything else.”
— Charles Barkley [50:00]

Stephen A. Smith’s Response: SAS defended ESPN’s content strategy, highlighting the importance of high-rated storylines to engage viewers. He argued that focusing on major markets and star players aligns with audience interests and sustains the network's success.

Notable Quote:

“What games you're featuring. If you ain't mentioned in Boston, you ain't mentioned in New York, you ain't mentioned in LA…”
— Stephen A. Smith [52:04]

SAS emphasized that the discussions are driven by what resonates with the audience, ensuring that ESPN remains relevant and maintains its high ratings.

5. Political Commentary: Ben Shapiro and Elon Musk on Derek Chauvin

The show delved into a heated political discourse when Ben Shapiro publicly called for President Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin, the officer convicted in the murder of George Floyd. Elon Musk further amplified this stance by reposting Shapiro’s comments with the caption, "something to think about."

Ben Shapiro’s Argument:

“There is a man who is rotting in prison because the media decided in the middle of 2020 that they were going to turn a tragic law enforcement stop... into the reason debt of the entire 2020 election.”
— Ben Shapiro [60:14]

Stephen A. Smith’s Critique: SAS vehemently criticized Shapiro and Musk, questioning their moral stance and the implications of pardoning Chauvin.

Notable Quotes:

“Ben Shapiro, Derek Chauvin's the guy. A white police officer who cuffed George Floyd...”
— Stephen A. Smith [62:24]

“Would you do it if a white Jewish person had a knee on their neck for nine and a half minutes and it was a black cop that did it?”
— Stephen A. Smith [63:55]

SAS challenged their perspectives by posing hypothetical scenarios to highlight perceived double standards and the gravity of pardoning a convicted murderer in such a high-profile case.

6. Upcoming Projects and Promotions

Towards the end of the episode, Stephen A. Smith promoted his upcoming event, "Three Americans Live", featuring Chris Cuomo and Bill O'Reilly. The show aims to foster respectful and meaningful conversations across diverse viewpoints.

Promotion Details:

“Tickets are officially on sale now with Pre sale code USA@3americanslive.com...”
— Stephen A. Smith [74:13]

He also reminded listeners of his ongoing commitment to deliver engaging content across various platforms, ensuring the continuation of his podcast and other media endeavors.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. Smith navigated a range of topics from personal achievements and professional conflicts to broader social and political issues. His candid discourse, combined with direct quotations and real-time reactions, provided listeners with an unfiltered perspective on current events and industry dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Stop effing with my son. That's my son. That's my son.”
  — LeBron James [16:00]

• “I have no reason to be unhappy with the money that I'll be earning in the near future...”
  — Stephen A. Smith [02:30]

• “Ben Shapiro, Derek Chauvin's the guy. A white police officer who cuffed George Floyd...”
  — Stephen A. Smith [62:24]

• “How low can you go?”
  — Stephen A. Smith [64:24]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and confrontations presented in the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the full show.