Stephen A's Take: Ex NBA star Gilbert Arenas and his crew call out Stephen A.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: Ex NBA Star Gilbert Arenas and His Crew Call Out Stephen A. Release Date: March 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the recent tensions between himself and former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, alongside Arenas' associates Kenyon Martin and Rashad McCants. The discussion unfolds as Stephen addresses the public call-out from Arenas and his team, shedding light on the underlying issues and his commitment to maintaining professional relationships.

Context of the Call-Out

The episode begins with Stephen A. Smith acknowledging the recent media attention sparked by Gilbert Arenas' appearance on ESPN's First Take. Arenas, accompanied by Kenyon Martin and Rashad McCants, publicly questioned Stephen's absence from their show, Gill's Arena, as promised. This confrontation raised eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike, prompting Stephen to offer his perspective.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith: "I've been called out again, this time by my boys over at Gill's Arena. I'm playing around. I'm cool with Gilbert. I don't really know the other two that well."
[00:58]

Addressing Scheduling Conflicts

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the scheduling mishaps that led to Stephen's delayed appearance on Gill's Arena. Stephen candidly discusses the logistical challenges, including conflicting commitments and unforeseen professional obligations that hindered his ability to join the show within the initially agreed timeframe.

Notable Quote:

Nate Thompson: "It has been 130 days after. We're counting 130 days. It's been like a half a year down there since but."
[01:32]

Stephen acknowledges the frustration from Arenas and his team, emphasizing that his absence was never a reflection of his regard for them but rather a consequence of unavoidable circumstances.

Commitment to Keeping Promises

Determined to uphold his word, Stephen outlines his plans to reconcile with Gilbert Arenas and his associates. He reassures listeners and Arenas' crew that he is actively working to reschedule his appearance, highlighting his dedication to honoring commitments despite a hectic schedule.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith: "I'm making time for you, too. I'm coming on Gill's Arena for no other reason, more so than the fact that I gave you my word I will be there."
[05:00]

He elaborates on the steps he's taking to ensure his participation, including reaching out directly to Arenas and coordinating with the Gill's Arena team to find a suitable time slot that accommodates all parties involved.

Resolving the Underlying Issues

Towards the latter part of the episode, Stephen touches upon the resolution of previous disputes that may have contributed to the tensions. He reveals that negotiations and discussions have been ongoing behind the scenes, leading to a mutual understanding that paves the way for future collaborations.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith: "The matter is now resolved. I have numerous people who have wanted me to come on their podcast, and I have told them, wait, because I got to do Gill's Arena first with you..."
[03:19]

This resolution underscores Stephen's professionalism and his intent to maintain positive relationships within the sports media landscape.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Stephen A. Smith reiterates his commitment to fulfilling his promise to Gilbert Arenas and his team. He assures listeners that his appearance on Gill's Arena is imminent, aiming for the following week. The episode concludes on a positive note, highlighting the importance of integrity and reliability in media engagements.

Notable Quote:

Stephen A. Smith: "I'll be there. Make no mistake. I'll be there."
[06:50]

Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for the forthcoming collaboration, reinforcing Stephen's reputation as a steadfast and honorable figure in the industry.

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This episode not only addresses the specific incident involving Gilbert Arenas but also serves as a testament to Stephen A. Smith's dedication to his commitments and his ability to navigate professional challenges with grace and determination. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the show, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamics of sports media and the importance of maintaining strong, trustworthy relationships.

Transcript

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[Julie Swearbinks]

From the executive producers of Hell and Gone comes a new podcast investigating the serial murders orchestrated by South African cult leader Cecilia Stein.

[Nate Thompson]

She conditioned them to be monsters. She was telling people the Bible says she must go and kill, but actually she was taking revenge. We are all so horrified by the idea that a mother would sully her daughter in this way.

[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Queen Havoc and her murder cult on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. I've been called out again, this time by my boys over at Gill's Arena. I'm playing around. I'm cool with Gilbert. I don't really know the other two that well. Frontman Gilbert Arenas appeared on my show First Take earlier this week on espn. And Kenyon Martin and company were wondering about a few things. Mainly when I'll be on their show as promised. Take a listen to this, please.

[Nate Thompson]

So what happened to him supposed to come here? Okay, that's a very good question. He came on this. We saw it with all our eyes. We sit here and watch him. That is Larry, right? I'm gonna pull up. I'm busy. I believe he said a couple weeks. It has been 130 days after. We're counting 130 days. It's been like a half a year down there since but. Cause he said he was coming through 130 days. I'm just trying to wonder what. Yeah, see, I thought he actually lived here. I guess he lives in New York, does a show there and comes here once in a blue moon. Yeah. So he was here in the city. Yeah, he was here. But he was here Thursday night. Good. We all have time. Miles. Listen, we would have made time. Yeah. So we got to probably pre record. No, we. We went live or we. 10 o'clock. We just come to New York. Gil on Underdogs Bread. Oh yeah. It would have been a 10. It would have been a late night. It would have been a late night edition. He want to come here. So it's either got to pre record or put the kids when he's here on a Monday through Thursday. Yes, it Would have been a put the kids to bed edition. Uhoh. It's all good, man. So we got to come. So most likely it has to be a Friday show. Oh. So we got to make a song. So we got to make a set for this nigga. Because they film. They end at 9, so trying to get here by that time. No. We shoot money through 30. Carpool lane. We shoot money through carpool lane. 11:32. Make time. Is Eddie ready? You made time to go when his ass was on there, right? He can make time when we on there to bring his ass on the show. When we all can do, like, make no exceptions for this ain't special. Not on this show.

[Julie Swearbinks]

I should feel me.

[Nate Thompson]

What's our old saying? When I blow up, you boom, boom.

[Julie Swearbinks]

I ain't gonna. I. I'm not. I'm not gonna front that. That was funny. That was funny. Message to Kenyon Martin. He played in the league 15 years. I can't wait to see you for you to show me this time. We had some kind of problem with each other because I've always thought you were a stud when you were playing in the NBA. I mean, what the hell? You was one of the elite defenders. Offensive play is going on. It's a reason you earned over 100 million in your career before these damn exorbitant contracts were being signed. I don't know what you're talking about with that. So I can't wait. My brother, have you seen the news? I said I had business to handle. My negotiations took a lengthy, lengthy, lengthy period of time, and I did not want to come on to the show, as I had told Gilbert, until matters were resolved. The matter is now resolved. I have numerous people who have wanted me to come on their podcast, and I have told them, wait, because I got to do Gill's arena first with you, with Rashad, with Nick, with Gil. I don't break my word, bro. I'm coming next week. I'll be calling Gilbert Arenas tonight or tomorrow. I'm gonna find out what the schedule is, and I'm trying to come on sometime next week. Now Wednesday and Thursday, I gotta take General Hospital. That. Take General Hospital, bro. Do my soap opera thing. You know what I'm saying? So I gotta tape those. I gotta tape some scenes, okay? So the likelihood of me doing it one of those days is slim because that's late, late night. If I was able to do it because I got tape stuff for General Hospital and we got Friday NBA stuff. So I'm gonna find a way. I Will be calling Gil, just like I text him yesterday and let him know I'm coming on. Okay, so literally the next week to 10 days, max, I'm coming. I'm trying to come this week because I got a lot of stuff to do downline, but I. I got to keep my word. I don't mind you calling me out on that, because I did promise, but I told you I was busy. I just didn't tell you why. I had to get all of this stuff done, which I've done. So now that that is done, the world can expect to see me in the house. And you remember what Kenya Martin said. Oh, we'll make time. You got to put the kids to bed. All this stuff. We don't give a damn. Wait, late night, early, Whatever. We'll make am. Absolutely. I'm making time for you, too. I'm coming on Gill's arena for no other reason, more so than the fact that I gave you my word I will be there. I'm aiming for next week. Just so we're clear. Okay. Just so you know, so ain't no hiccups, there's no questions, there's no anything. Just so you know. Just wanted to make sure everybody know that. But Kenya, Mark was right from the standpoint. When he come in here, when he come. If I was in Kenya Martin seat, I'd have asked the same damn question. He was not wrong. If I was in Rashad McCann's seat, I would ask the same damn question. They have a right. Especially since Gil showed up on First Take. That is more than fair. I'm just letting you know I was waiting. Contract was agreed to 24 hours ago, and I'm about to call Gil, let him know I'm coming on. So I just want you to know that. All right, I'll be there. Make no mistake. I'll be there.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season from. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101. Free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swearbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swearbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.