Stephen A. Smith Biography: From Journalist to ESPN Superstar

Stephen A. Smith Biography: The Rise of a Sports Media Icon

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent figure in the sports media world, known for his outspoken opinions and passionate debates on ESPN’s “First Take.” He has a long and successful career as a sports journalist, television personality, and radio host.

Early Life and Education

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York. He grew up in the Hollis section of Queens and attended Thomas Edison High School.

After a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he transferred to Winston-Salem State University, where he played basketball under Hall of Fame coach Clarence Gaines.

Unfortunately, a severe knee injury ended his basketball career, but it led him to sports journalism.

Career Highlights:

• Began his career as a beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, covering the Philadelphia 76ers and Temple University sports

• Joined ESPN in 2003 as an NBA analyst

• Hosted the daily show “Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith” from 2005 to 2007

• Became a co-host of “First Take” in 2012, where he gained national recognition for his passionate debates and strong opinions

• Also hosts his own podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show”

Key Points:

• Known for his signature catchphrase, “Not a chance!”

• Often expresses strong opinions on controversial topics in sports

• Has been involved in several controversies throughout his career

• Remains one of the most popular and recognizable figures in sports media

Controversies:

• Suspended by ESPN in 2014 for comments about domestic violence

• Criticized for his stance on Colin Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem

• Accused of sexism and homophobia by some critics

Despite the controversies, Stephen A. Smith remains a highly influential figure in sports media.

His passionate debates and strong opinions continue to generate discussion and controversy, making him one of the most recognizable and talked-about personalities in the industry.

Age:

Stephen A. Smith was born on October 14, 1967, which makes him 57 years old. His zodiac sign is Libra.

Regarding his ethnicity, Stephen A. Smith is of mixed ethnicity. His mother is white, and his father is black. His parents were originally from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

As for his nationality, he is American. He was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Queens, New York.

Parents and Siblings:

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens.

He is the youngest of six children, with four older sisters and an older brother named Basil, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1992. He also has a half-brother on his father’s side.

His parents, Janet and her husband, were originally from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

His father managed a hardware store, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up, Stephen was surrounded by a large family and a strong sense of community.

Stephen attended Thomas Edison High School in Queens and later went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology before transferring to Winston-Salem State University on a basketball scholarship.

Although his basketball career ended due to a knee injury, it was during his time at Winston-Salem State that he began his journey into sports journalism.

Wife:

Stephen A. Smith is currently not married. He was once engaged but chose not to proceed with marriage, stating, “It didn’t work out.”

Stephen A. Smith has two daughters, Samantha and Nyla. Stephen A. Smith has never publicly revealed the identities of their mothers.

He has mentioned that his daughters are everything to him and that he is very proud of the father he is.

Height, Weight:

Stephen A. Smith is 6 feet 1 inch (185.5 cm) tall and weighs approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)

Career and Background:

Smith’s journey in sports journalism began after he graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication.

He started as a sportswriter for the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and Record, and the New York Daily News.

In 2003, he joined ESPN, where he became a prominent analyst on shows like “SportsCenter” and “NBA Countdown.”

He is best known for his role on ESPN’s “First Take,” where he serves as a featured commentator and executive producer.

Additionally, Smith has hosted “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on ESPN Radio and contributes as a featured columnist for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Early Career in Print Media

Stephen A. Smith began his career in print media, working for the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and Record, and the New York Daily News.

He later joined The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he became known for his columns on the Philadelphia 76ers and other sports topics.

Transition to Television and Radio

In the mid-2000s, Stephen A. Smith transitioned to television and radio. He joined ESPN and became a regular commentator on the show First Take, where he is known for his passionate and often controversial opinions.

He also hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio and frequently appears on SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.

Notable Achievements

Stephen A. Smith has had a remarkable career in sports journalism and media, with several notable achievements:

• First Take: Stephen A. Smith is a co-host on ESPN’s popular show First Take, where he engages in heated debates and discussions on various sports-related issues. His presence on the show has significantly boosted its popularity and viewership.

• ESPN Radio: He hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio, where he provides sports commentary and analysis. His show is well-received and has a large following.

• SportsCenter and NBA Countdown: Stephen A. frequently appears on SportsCenter and NBA Countdown, where he offers his insights on NBA games and events.

• Columns and Blogs: He has written columns for The Philadelphia Inquirer and runs his own blog, stephena.com. His columns have been widely read and respected in the sports journalism community.

• Author: Stephen A. Smith has also authored a book, “Best Seat in the House: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of Sports”, which was published in 2019. The book provides a personal look into his life and career, as well as his relationship with his father.

• Social Media Influence: Beyond traditional media, Stephen A. Smith has a strong presence on social media platforms, where he shares his opinions and engages with fans. His bold and unapologetic style has made him a popular figure online as well.

Stephen A. Smith has reported on numerous high-profile sports events and stories throughout his career. Here are some of his notable sports reports:

• NBA Finals Coverage: Stephen A. Smith has provided extensive coverage of the NBA Finals, offering his insights and analysis on the games, players, and key moments. His passionate commentary has made him a go-to analyst for NBA fans.

• LeBron James’ “The Decision”: In 2010, Stephen A. Smith reported on LeBron James’ highly publicized decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat. His coverage of the event and its aftermath was widely discussed and analyzed.

• Michael Jordan’s Return to the NBA: Stephen A. Smith covered Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA in 1995, providing commentary on Jordan’s impact on the league and his legendary performances.

• Kobe Bryant’s Career and Legacy: Stephen A. Smith has reported extensively on Kobe Bryant’s career and legacy, including his final game in 2016 and his tragic passing in 2020. His emotional and heartfelt reports resonated with fans and fellow journalists alike.

• NFL Draft Coverage: Stephen A. Smith has been a prominent voice during the NFL Draft, offering his opinions on draft picks, team strategies, and player potential. His bold predictions and analysis have made him a key figure in draft coverage.

• Olympic Games Coverage: Stephen A. Smith has reported on various Olympic Games, providing commentary on standout performances and key moments in sports like basketball, track and field, and boxing.

• Controversial Comments and Apologies: Stephen A. Smith has been involved in several controversies due to his provocative comments. For example, his comments on domestic violence and Floyd Mayweather led to significant backlash and required public apologies.

These reports highlight Stephen A. Smith’s impact on sports journalism and his ability to engage audiences with his bold and insightful commentary.

Awards and Recognition:

Stephen A. Smith has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his impact on sports journalism and media:

• LA Press Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2024, Stephen A. Smith was honored with the Joseph M Quinn Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Los Angeles Press Club. This prestigious award recognizes his contributions as a host, producer, analyst, and author.

• Sports Journalist of the Year: Stephen A. Smith has been named Sports Journalist of the Year multiple times for his insightful and engaging sports commentary.

• Emmy Nominations: He has received multiple Emmy nominations for his work on television, particularly for his contributions to First Take and other ESPN programs.

• Philanthropic Efforts: Stephen A. Smith has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with various charities and community organizations.

• New York Times Best Seller: His memoir, “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes”, was published in 2023 and became a New York Times Best Seller.

These awards and recognitions underscore Stephen A. Smith’s influence and dedication to sports journalism.

Controversies

Stephen A. Smith has been involved in several controversies over the years due to his provocative comments:

• Domestic Violence Comments: In 2014, Smith faced backlash for suggesting that women should avoid “provoking” their partners to prevent domestic violence. He later apologized, calling it the most egregious error of his career.

• Floyd Mayweather Comments: In 2010, Smith defended boxer Floyd Mayweather, who had a history of domestic abuse arrests, by suggesting that Mayweather’s ex-wife fabricated the story to extort money. This led to criticism for downplaying domestic abuse.

• Ayesha Curry Comments: Smith faced criticism for telling Ayesha Curry, wife of NBA player Steph Curry, to be a “good NBA wife” after she expressed concerns about the league’s officiating. He was accused of mansplaining and reinforcing stereotypes.

• Trump Comments: In 2024, Smith sparked outrage by comparing Donald Trump’s legal problems to the historic struggles of Black people during an interview on Fox News. He later apologized, but the comments were widely criticized as tone-deaf and insulting to Black people’s intelligence.

Despite these controversies, Stephen A. Smith remains a prominent voice in sports media, known for his unapologetic style and ability to engage audiences in meaningful discussions.

Stephen A. Smith has worked with many notable colleagues throughout his career at ESPN and other media outlets. Here are some of his close colleagues:

• Jalen Rose: Stephen A. Smith has a strong professional relationship with Jalen Rose, with whom he co-hosts NBA Countdown. He has praised Rose for his basketball knowledge and work ethic.

• Max Kellerman: Stephen A. Smith’s former co-host on First Take, Max Kellerman, was a significant part of his career at ESPN. Although they had their differences, they shared many memorable debates on the show.

• Keyshawn Johnson: Stephen A. Smith has known Keyshawn Johnson for over 20 years. Johnson has been a mentor and friend to Smith, and he has expressed sadness over Johnson’s departure from ESPN.

• Adrian Wojnarowski: Stephen A. Smith was deeply affected by Adrian Wojnarowski’s decision to leave ESPN for a role at St. Bonaventure. He described Wojnarowski as the best in the business and expressed his devastation over his departure.

• Shannon Sharpe: Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have had their disagreements, but they have also engaged in many heated debates on ESPN shows.

• Maria Taylor: Stephen A. Smith has worked with Maria Taylor on NBA Countdown and has praised her contributions to the show.

These colleagues have played significant roles in Stephen A. Smith’s career, contributing to his growth and success in sports media.

Net Worth and Salary:

Stephen A. Smith’s net worth and salary are impressive, reflecting his successful career in sports media:

Net Worth

Stephen A. Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million as of 2024. This wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in sports journalism, television, and radio.

Salary

Stephen A. Smith earns a substantial salary of $13 million per year from ESPN. This makes him one of the highest-paid sports commentators in the world.

His salary has increased significantly over the years, with his current contract being a testament to his popularity and influence in the sports media industry.

Career Milestones

• Early Career: Stephen A. Smith began his career in print media, working for newspapers like the Winston-Salem Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

• Transition to TV and Radio: He transitioned to television and radio in the mid-2000s, joining ESPN and becoming a regular commentator on shows like First Take and NBA Countdown.

• Awards and Recognition: He has received numerous accolades, including the Dick Schaap Award for Outstanding Journalism and the Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

• Books and Media: Stephen A. Smith has authored a memoir, “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes”, which became a New York Times Best Seller.

Additional Income Sources

Apart from his salary, Stephen A. Smith also earns from endorsements, appearances, and other media ventures.

His strong presence on social media and his engaging commentary style have contributed to his financial success.

Notable Offers

In June 2024, it was revealed that Stephen A. Smith turned down a $90 million contract offer from ESPN, which would have paid him $18 million per year over five years.

He reportedly turned down the deal because he was holding out for an offer that would pay him $25 million per year.

Stephen A. Smith’s financial success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and influence in the world of sports media.

Is Stephen A. Smith Married?

No, Stephen A. Smith is not married. He was previously engaged but chose not to proceed with marriage. He has two daughters.

How Old Is Stephen A. Smith?

Stephen A. Smith was born on October 14, 1967, which makes him 57 years old as of now.

Where Is Stephen A. Smith Working At?

Stephen A. Smith is currently working at ESPN, where he holds several key roles:

• First Take: He is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s popular show First Take, where he discusses and debates sports topics from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on weekdays.

• NBA Countdown: Stephen A. Smith is an analyst on NBA Countdown, ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.

• NBA in Stephen A.’s World: He hosts NBA in Stephen A.’s World, an alternate presentation that accompanies select ESPN NBA games throughout the season.

• The Stephen A. Smith Show: He hosts his own radio show, The Stephen A. Smith Show, which airs on ESPN Radio and SiriusXM.

• SportsCenter Specials: Stephen A. Smith leads several SportsCenter specials throughout the year, covering marquee events and major sports stories.

• Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith: He hosts a podcast called Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith, where he brings his trademark insight and analysis to the day’s headlines and major stories from various fields.

Stephen A. Smith’s diverse roles at ESPN showcase his versatility and influence in the world of sports media.

Stephen A. Smith is quite active on social media. He regularly engages with his audience and shares his thoughts on current sports events, societal issues, and personal insights on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

On these platforms, he posts a mix of commentary videos, behind-the-scenes content from his shows, and interactions with fans and fellow sports personalities.

His social media presence is an extension of his bold and outspoken style, and he often uses it to further discussions from his television and radio appearances.