Stepehen A's Take: Stephen A reacts to Charles Barkley saying he's overexposing himself.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Stephen A Reacts to Charles Barkley Saying He's Overexposing Himself

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Stephen A. Smith addresses recent remarks made by his longtime friend and fellow sports commentator, Charles Barkley. Barkley expressed concerns over Stephen A.'s increasing media presence, suggesting that Smith might be overexposing himself across various platforms. This conversation delves into the dynamics of media appearances, personal branding, and the fine line between visibility and overexposure.

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Charles Barkley's Critique of Stephen A.'s Media Presence

Timestamp: [01:11]

Charles Barkley shared his candid thoughts during his appearance on Outkick's "Don't Me" podcast with Dan Dakich. He expressed skepticism about Stephen A.'s expanding footprint in the media landscape.

Charles Barkley ([01:46]): "So I don't want to be on TV more, I want to be on TV less. [...] You're starting to be too much right now. Like you're gonna be on CNN, you're gonna be on Fox and Friends. Now you on General Hospital. Now you're on Law and Order. I'm like, yo man, knock it off."

Barkley emphasized that Stephen A.'s frequent appearances on diverse platforms—from sports networks to soap operas and prime-time dramas—might lead to audience fatigue and diminish the seriousness with which Smith is perceived.

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Stephen A. Smith's Response: Defending His Media Strategy

Timestamp: [02:54] - [08:30]

Stephen A. Smith responds to Barkley's concerns by highlighting his commitment to delivering substantive content across various channels. He acknowledges the friendship and respect he holds for Barkley but clarifies his motivations and approach to media engagements.

Stephen A. Smith ([03:54]): "Anything that I say that is critical of Charles Barkley is all in fun. That is my friend. That is my brother. I love him dearly."

Smith underscores that his occasional critiques of Barkley stem from their dynamic relationship rather than any personal animosity. He further elaborates on his media presence, emphasizing the diversity of his appearances and the intent behind them.

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Dan Dakich Joins the Conversation: Spotlight on Endorsements and Media Appearances

Timestamp: [03:58] - [07:26]

Dan Dakich interjects to compare the media engagements of Stephen A. and Charles Barkley. He points out that Barkley has a significantly higher number of endorsements and media spots, questioning the disparity in criticism.

Dan Dakich ([04:26]): "But when it comes to me, I need to be careful. [...] Wasn't it Charles Barkley who made news for years talking about his aspiration to run for the governor of Alabama [...]"

Dakich highlights his own media engagements, including appearances on ESPN, Fox and Friends, Chris Cuomo Show, and News Nation. He challenges the notion that Stephen A. is overexposed by juxtaposing his own diverse media presence with Barkley's endorsements.

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Debating Overexposure vs. Versatility in Media

Timestamp: [07:10] - [08:32]

The discussion shifts to the broader theme of media versatility and the ability to engage with different audiences. Stephen A. defends his participation in non-sports programming, such as acting in General Hospital and appearing on Law & Order, arguing that these ventures demonstrate his versatility and desire to reach varied audiences.

Stephen A. Smith ([08:19]): "So, Charles Barkley, you continue to do the great job that you've been doing for TNT and next year it'll start at ESPN."

He asserts that his foray into different genres does not equate to overexposure but rather showcases his multifaceted personality and ability to contribute meaningfully across platforms.

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Final Thoughts and Mutual Respect

Timestamp: [08:30] - [10:35]

Stephen A. concludes the discussion by reiterating his dedication to providing insightful commentary on sports, politics, and social issues. He expresses confidence in his unique position within the media landscape and dismisses concerns about being taken less seriously.

Stephen A. Smith ([10:35]): "That's how I roll. Respectfully, of course. Number Love for you, my brother, Dan Dakich."

He emphasizes that his genuine passion and commitment to his craft will continue to drive his media engagements, regardless of external criticisms.

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Conclusion

The episode provides a candid exploration of the balance between maintaining a strong media presence and avoiding overexposure. Through the dialogue between Stephen A. Smith, Charles Barkley, and Dan Dakich, listeners gain insights into the complexities of personal branding, audience engagement, and the differing perceptions of media saturation. Ultimately, Stephen A. affirms his intent to continue leveraging diverse platforms to inform and entertain his audience while respecting the perspectives of his peers.

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Notable Quotes:

• Charles Barkley ([01:46]): "You're starting to be too much right now. [...] people are going to regret. They're gonna get sick of you, and you're gonna be like, yeah, I probably did too much."

• Stephen A. Smith ([03:54]): "Anything that I say that is critical of Charles Barkley is all in fun. That is my friend. That is my brother."

• Dan Dakich ([04:26]): "When it comes to me, I need to be careful. [...] I'm not the one with commercials everywhere. I'm working. Fox and Friends know that involves early mornings."

• Stephen A. Smith ([08:19]): "Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing in this business?"

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.

Transcript

[Stephen A. Smith]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.

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[Stephen A. Smith]

Apply now let's get to some headlines. Or should I say advice from Charles Barkley in regards to me. Barkley, who's a friend and a brother, appeared on Outkick's Don't Me podcast with Dan Dakish. Dan asked Barkley about the myriad of places I've been seeing recently, talking about sports, politics, and even acting on General Hospital and recently Law and Order. Here's what Barkley had to say. Take a look at this, please.

[Charles Barkley]

So I don't want to be on TV more, I want to be on TV less.

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I don't think that's the Stephen A.

[Charles Barkley]

Smith method right now. I don't think that's his mentality. That's not a. That. Listen, that's not. As a matter of fact, I was in the studio last night and I see he's going to be on Law and Order tonight. I mean, he's already on. He's already on General Hospital. Now he's going to be on Law and Order tonight. And I was just laughing. I'm like, yo man, you're starting to be too much right now. Like you're gonna be on cnn, you're gonna be on Fox and Friends. Now you on General Hospital. Now you're on Law and Order. I'm like, yo man, knock it off. Stop being on every TV show because at some point people are going to regret. They're gonna, like, they're gonna get sick of you, and you're gonna be like, yeah, I probably did too much. But once you do too much, it's too late. And then people don't take you serious. And I think he's got to be careful in that aspect.

[Stephen A. Smith]

First order of business, as a forewarning, anything. I shouldn't say a forewarning, just a heads up. Anything that I say that is critical of Charles Barkley is all in fun. That is my friend. That is my brother. I love him dearly. I always have. I always will. He is as real and as authentic as it gets. And, oh, by the way, weeks ago, when he was critical of me as it pertained to my response to LeBron James, when LeBron James and I, you know, had our little spiel, Charles Barkley and I spoke on the phone. And what he said publicly is exactly what he said privately. That's my guy. But that doesn't mean I always agree with him. And it doesn't mean that I'm devoid of the right to call him a flaming hypocrite when it's called upon.

[Dan Dakich]

Do y' all have any idea how many commercials Charles Barkley does a year? He'll tell us.

[Charles Barkley]

2.

[Dan Dakich]

Have you seen Charles Barkley in two commercials? Are you kidding me? Oh, by the way, the cat that you work with at least twice a week during the NBA season is Shaquille o' Neal? Can we count the amount of endorsements he has, how often he's seen everywhere, what new product he's pitching? Did you say that about him?

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, you didn't.

[Dan Dakich]

But when it comes to me, I need to be careful. Oh, by the way, Dan Dockish, you know, slickly brings up, you know, me with politics and all of this other stuff. Wasn't it Charles Barkley who made news for years talking about his aspiration to run for the governor of Alabama because that's where he's from, before starring in Auburn and all of this other stuff. Wasn't that him? I mean, it just amazes me how people could say some of the things that they say sometimes. It absolutely, positively blows me away, okay? Because I'm not the one with commercials everywhere. I'm working. Fox and Friends know that involves early mornings. That's a rare appearance that almost never happens.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's not accurate.

[Dan Dakich]

ESPN is the worldwide leader. They have a multiple of a multitude of outlets. Plus they put me on their.com sites. Outside of that, you saw. You see me occasionally on Sean Hannity.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Occasionally.

[Dan Dakich]

You see me pretty much weekly on Chris Cuomo show, new on News Nation. He's a friend and he asked me to come on, and I come on. Where else have I been seen? Can we really, really get to the heart of the matter? And this isn't directed at Charles Barkley. This is directed at all the folks out there. I'm making people very uncomfortable.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And I don't give a shit. You can sit there and talk about people not taking me seriously all you want to.

[Dan Dakich]

We'll see.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because I'm a serious brother.

[Dan Dakich]

That doesn't mean I don't know how to laugh and smile and have fun.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But I know who the hell I am.

[Dan Dakich]

We're talking about me on General Hospital. Why now? I've been on General Hospital for seven years. It's a soap opera. That's not a sports show. It's a different audience. I went on Law and Order. That's the first time I've been on prime time television for anything outside of working for espn. That's Law and Order. That's not sports. So if you're watching sports, chances are you're not watching those other things. You might not be watching soaps, you might not be watching Law and Order. So one would argue I'm reaching a different audience and I'm expanding and showing that I'm somewhat of a renaissance man, that I have the versatility to do the things that I'm doing. People saw me acting. They said, hey, he does a good job. And I'm supposed to scale that back because of my conspicuous presence. Last time I checked, that's what we're.

[Stephen A. Smith]

In this business for.

[Dan Dakich]

And the very people laughing and dismissing it. Are you trying to tell me you would turn down those opportunities if it came your way? Why are you in this business? Yes, it's easy for Charles Barkley to sit up there and say, two commercials a year, even though that's a lie.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because he's definitely doing more than two.

[Dan Dakich]

But when you're making the money that you're making, that you have been making for years, you could afford to turn down those opportunities. Don't bring up my contract now, that was just signed last month. You've been making that money for years. So when we look at it from that standpoint, what's that about? And, oh, by the way, when you see me at other places, whether it be podcasts or other shows, I don't volunteer to go talk to these people. Y' all call and ask yet. You'll call and ask and then say, I want to be seen when you're the one to call or ask me to be seen.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Could it be because I speak with substance? Did I have something to say that will draw viewers and listeners to your respective shows? Isn't that what we're supposed to be.

[Dan Dakich]

Doing in this business?

[Stephen A. Smith]

So, Charles Barkley, you continue to do the great job that you've been doing for TNT and next year it'll start at ESPN.

[Dan Dakich]

And let Shaq market the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Hell out of himself the way that he does significantly better than almost anybody on this planet and let me do what I do. I have no desire to run for office. I have no desire to be a politician. I love talking about politics. I love talking about giving social commentary on social issues, and I love talking about sports. And if that somehow some way translates into me being in the mix and people talking to me about a particular potential political position, so be it. It's not where my interest lies, but I don't rule it out because I believe I could win. And I'll be damned if anybody, especially my friend and my brother who did nothing for years other than play basketball yet repeatedly announced his desires to one day run for the governor of Alabama, is going to sit here and tell me it's a bit too much. It's too much. When I say it's too much. That's how I roll. Respectfully, of course. Number Love for you, my brother, Dan Dakish. You're asking that question. I wonder why. If you're uncomfortable with the situation, my brother and you got questions to ask, just call me. I'll come on. Under one condition. You don't turn around and say, oh, he just wants to be on another show. I actually have things to say. I don't think anybody can deny that. I'll leave it at that until a later date. Anyway.

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[Stephen A. Smith]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.