Is Stephen A. Really Leaving ESPN?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Stephen A. Smith has been slowly losing responsibility over the last year at ESPN, and many have questioned whether his time with the "Leader" was up. Well according to The Big Lead, that time is upon us, and Smith's contract won't be renewed this May....
We hear that Stephen A. Smith, who just four years ago soared to incredible sports media heights - simultaneously juggling a sports column in the Philadelphia Inquirer, an ESPN radio show, and a TV show on ESPN - will be actively looking for work this summer after his ESPN contract expires following the NBA playoffs.While this is obviously still a rumor, it seems to make sense. SAS has been phased out of NBA work for the most part, and really only appears on First Take from time to time. So where does he go next? My first thought is that he will expand on his CNN appearances, but SI and Fanhouse are still out there. It's not like he doesn't have options.
Within the last month, a source says that ESPN and Smith went to the negotiating table and couldn’t reach an agreement. Apparently, ESPN’s offer was considerably lower than Smith’s previous contracts - which were multi-media faceted - and Smith passed. He was then offered the decision to work through the remainder of his contract, or walk away and still get paid, and a source says Smith decided to work.
Enjoy Stephen A. Smith While You Can - He’s Got About Six Weeks Left at ESPN (The Big Lead)
6 Comments:
Negotiations? I imagine those consist of SAS storming into Norby's office with Cheez Doodles and exclaiming with righteous indignation, "I AM STEPHEN A, I AM IMPORTANT, I DEMAND A NEW CONTRACT WITH ALL SORTS OF CHEEZY DELICIOUS PERKS AND INCENTIVES!!!!"
This sucks...I love Stephen A. He brings some personality to the network other than the tiresome acts they keep trotting out there.
Stephen A. Smith has been slowly losing responsibility over the last year at ESPN, and many have questioned whether his time with the "Leader" was up. Well according to The Big Lead, that time is upon us, and Smith's contract won't be renewed this May....
Stephen A. Smith-futureWhile this is obviously still a rumor, it seems to make sense. SAS has been phased out of NBA work for the most part, and really only appears on First Take from time to time. So where does he go next? My first thought is that he will expand on his CNN appearances, but SI and Fanhouse are still out there. It's not like he doesn't have options.
I am selling all my Cheezy Doodle stock...
Does this mean the Stephen A. Smith Heckling Society will die?
I guess I'm confused here. Exactly why would ESPN try to resign him at all??? More Old School/Nu Skool's in the works???