Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
The US Sun
‘I made him who he is,’ Shaq takes credit for media rise of Stephen A. Smith as First Take star targets $25m contract
By Damian Burchardt,
19 days ago
SHAQUILLE O’Neal has an interesting take on Stephen A. Smith’s contract negotiations with ESPN.
Shaq told the outspoken sportscaster to thank him for being in a position to demand a $25 million salary from the network.
Shaquille O’Neal says he’s responsible for Stephen A. Smith’s rise YOUTUBE/@TheBigPod Smith is reportedly seeking a salary of $25 million per year in talks over a new deal with ESPN Getty
O’Neal , 52, made the remark in the latest episode of his The Big Podcast, which he co-hosts with TNT Sports colleague Adam Lefkoe.
“I remember when he signed for $10 million and he was doing a great job,” Shaq responded.
“I wish him well and I hope he can make all the money he can make.
“But he needs to thank me.”
Lefkoe asked O’Neal to clarify what role the four-time NBA champion played in Smith’s rise.
And Shaq suggested he gave Stephen A. an opportunity to make a name for himself when back when he was covering the Philadelphia 76ers for The Philadelphia Enquirer.
“I made him who he is… when he first came on,” the retired center said.
“Remember, he wasn’t making any money talking about the Sixers.
“Once you started talking crazy about me, and me and you would go back and forth, then you got hot.”
“So, you’re welcome, Stephen A.”
Smith’s current deal with ESPN expires next summer.
The First Take star’s salary demands are believed to be $7 million higher than the initial offer he received from the network, prompting questions about the sportscaster’s future.
ESPN’s president of content Burke Magnus added to the uncertainty with recent comments about the negotiations with Stephen A.
Stephen A. Smith's journey through media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.
Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.
Magnus said ESPN doesn’t have a plan for Smith’s potential exit yet but would find an appropriate replacement if necessary.
“Not specifically, but First Take would continue, obviously,” the exe c said . “We’d figure that out.
“The great part about the environment that we live in … there is a wealth of talented people out there who, if given the chance, I think could also become superstars very easily on our platform.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0