The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary: "Stephen A's Take: Listen Up. I Have a New Meaning for DEI"

Release Date: March 23, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the intersection of politics, sports, and societal issues, focusing primarily on the controversial removal of Jackie Robinson's legacy from the Department of Defense (DoD) website. Smith extends his critique to the broader dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs under the current administration, drawing connections between historical injustices and present-day policies. The episode also features a spirited exchange addressing former ESPN colleague Robert Griffin III (RG3), highlighting tensions within the sports media landscape.

1. Removal of Jackie Robinson's Legacy from the DoD Website

Key Points:

• Incident Overview: Stephen A. Smith discusses the recent incident where Jackie Robinson's legacy was temporarily removed from the DoD's website as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate references to DEI.
• Defense Department's Response: Following public outcry, the DoD reinstated Robinson's legacy, emphasizing respect for his patriotism and service without highlighting immutable characteristics like race.
• Implications: Smith interprets this move as an attempt to erase important historical narratives that underscore the contributions of minorities in the military and sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "The updated statement said, 'We do not view or highlight them through the prism of immutable characteristics such as race, ethnicity or sex. We do so only by recognizing their patriotism and dedication to the war fighting mission, like every other American who has worn the uniform.'" ([01:35])
• "There are plenty of people that missed out on opportunities. They were denied the opportunity to do so because somebody in a position of power, usually white males, made the decision to hold them back." ([08:50])

2. Critique of DEI Programs

Key Points:

• Definition Revisited: Smith clarifies his stance on DEI, redefining it as "Didn't Earn It" rather than the conventional "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion."
• Historical Context: He draws parallels between DEI initiatives and historical efforts like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, affirmative action, and the NFL's Rooney Rule, emphasizing their roots in addressing systemic injustices.
• Current Administration's Stance: Smith criticizes the administration's approach to DEI, arguing that it seeks to undermine the very reasons these programs were established—to combat entrenched inequities primarily perpetuated by the white male power structure.

Notable Quotes:

• "What I like to focus on is how dare you try to ignore the reason for its existence in the first place?" ([03:20])
• "DEI stands for Didn't Earn It. When we talk about DEI, with me, it's about people who did not have to navigate the terrain of power structures to attain their positions." ([12:45])

3. Political Actions and Racism

Key Points:

• Governor DeSantis's Remarks: Smith references Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's controversial comments attempting to highlight "good components about slavery," condemning such revisions of history.
• Affirmative Action and Beneficiaries: He challenges the narrative that affirmative action and DEI solely benefit minorities, pointing out that white women also gain from these programs.
• Preservation of Historical Memory: Emphasizing the importance of remembering America's racist and prejudicial past, Smith warns against efforts to sanitize history for political convenience.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's been documented throughout history, and there seems to be a concerted effort right now to make sure that is ignored." ([06:15])
• "How long was it before they stopped being subjugated to a minimal and less role? It ain't just black folks. It ain't just minorities. It's also women." ([19:30])

4. Addressing Former ESPN Colleague RG3

Key Points:

• RG3's Comments: Smith responds to former ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III's (RG3) statement that sports shows should focus solely on sports and not intertwine with politics.
• Smith's Rebuttal: He vehemently disagrees, arguing that sports have always been political and that figures like Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, and Jack Johnson had inherently political impacts through their athletic achievements.
• Critique of RG3's Departure: Smith speculates on RG3's departure from ESPN, suggesting it stemmed from internal management issues rather than performance, and criticizes RG3's passive-aggressive approach post-ESPN exit.

Notable Quotes:

• "RG3, respectfully, my brother, you sound ignorant. You sound utterly clueless." ([15:55])
• "There is no black person alive who would deny that, and there's no white person who could justifiably deny it." ([18:40])
• "RG3, you the only one that was let go. I can give you a laundry list of over 300 people that have been let go from ESPN since 2015." ([20:10])

5. Defense of ESPN's Approach to Content

Key Points:

• Commitment to Tackling Issues: Smith defends ESPN's commitment to addressing a wide range of topics, including politics and social issues, asserting that the network does not shy away from significant conversations.
• Acknowledgment of Colleagues: He praises various ESPN personalities for their roles in fostering an environment where tough topics are openly discussed, reinforcing the network's dedication to comprehensive sports coverage.
• Pat McAfee as a Case Study: Highlighting Pat McAfee's success on College Football GameDay, Smith contrasts RG3's departure with McAfee's positive trajectory, underscoring the value ESPN places on dynamic and engaging personalities.

Notable Quotes:

• "We don't run from anything. RG3, how do I know what I'm talking about? Let me add Paul Finebaum to that." ([21:45])
• "Pat McAfee is made for College Football GameDay. I mean, him getting people to kick them damn field goals is the funniest stuff on television sometimes. It's hilarious and he sells it like no other." ([22:30])

Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith delivers a passionate critique of the current administration's efforts to diminish DEI initiatives, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing historical injustices. By addressing the removal of Jackie Robinson's legacy and responding to RG3's comments, Smith underscores the inseparable nature of sports and politics in shaping societal narratives. His unwavering stance advocates for the preservation of history, accountability within power structures, and the continued integration of meaningful discussions within sports media.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• [01:35] – Defense Department's stance on Jackie Robinson.
• [03:20] – Critique of ignoring DEI's foundational reasons.
• [06:15] – Condemnation of efforts to erase historical injustices.
• [12:45] – Redefinition of DEI as "Didn't Earn It."
• [15:55] – Direct address to RG3's perceived ignorance.
• [18:40] – Emphasis on the undeniable link between race and politics.
• [19:30] – Highlighting the subjugation of women alongside minorities.
• [20:10] – Speculation on RG3's departure reasons.
• [21:45] – Defense of ESPN's comprehensive content approach.
• [22:30] – Praise for Pat McAfee's role on ESPN.

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of Stephen A. Smith's discussion, providing listeners and readers with a comprehensive understanding of the episode's key themes and arguments.