Updated March 9: Stephen A. Smith says there’s no problem between him and fellow ESPN talk manager Pat McAfee.
“There is no dispute. Pat McAfee is my teammate. Pat McAfee and I work together on ESPN,” Smith said. “There is no banishment of First take or any other show. He is more than welcome First take in the future and I will be more than welcome to come to his show
“I don’t know how many times I’m going to have to say this, but I’m going to try one more time, not just relying on a statement or a quote I put out through ESPN. But I will look at the cameras and tell you this, nationally and globally: I support my teammates. I support my colleagues. I’m not taking it out on anyone. People who do this are idiots. A rising tide lifts all boats.
ESPN Talking Heads Pat McAfee And Stephen A. Smith recently engaged in an explosive phone call over creative differences that escalated to the point where the former Indianapolis Colts punter called the latter an “asshole,” according to a New York Post exclusive.
The argument stemmed from a project Smith will do on ESPN in the future and is producing the segment through his own production company, the Post reported. After the argument, Smith banned McAfee from appearing on his show, First take in the future, according to the report.
McAfee previously appeared every Tuesday during football season to provide commentary, but said he was unaware of a ban, according to the Post. Smith said there never was one in the first place, according to the story.
Both sides indicated their issue had been resolved, the Post reported.
McAfee and Smith both enjoyed success on their respective shows for ESPN, generating a record 496,000 viewers for First take last year and 298 million views on all platforms for The Pat McAfee Show since it was produced via ESPN.
“We are No. 1 and he has absolutely been instrumental in us remaining No. 1. McAfee was invited to come on every Tuesday during the Super Bowl and that’s exactly what he did, kicking ass every time he came on the air,” Smith said in an email. email to the Post. “If McAfee wants to be present First take next season he will be present First take. I like winners and McAfee has proven to win, which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell people that he ushered in a new era for many of us. I am grateful to have him as part of my team and the ESPN family. And I look forward to having it for years to come. I sincerely hope that I won’t have to repeat myself about this nonsense again!
