Stephen A. Smith's Behavior Causing Serious 'Tension' At 'First Take'

A different kind of drama is said to be brewing behind closed doors on ESPN’s “First Take.” The show’s headliner, Stephen A. Smith, who is used to being the one stirring the controversy, appears to be at the center of it this time around.

Smith is reportedly seeking a $7 million raise on his next contract with the Worldwide Leader once his current deal expires by next year.

According to Steve Brenner of the U.S. Sun, the uncertainty surrounding Smith's future at ESPN has created a tension-filled environment on the “First Take” set. Smith and his co-analyst Shannon Sharpe have created a rift between them and the rest of the show’s staff, per the report.

Crew members described the current “First Take” atmosphere as “very frustrating” and on the verge of becoming “an impossible situation.”

"Smith and Sharpe are doing whatever they want," an anonymous First Take staffer told Brenner.

"Shannon had his extension deal, and it’s good for him, but you can really see that both of them care about their deals more than about their coworkers and colleagues. ... I used to enjoy going to work, but right now, I wake up in the morning not wanting to go in."

Smith has recently given his bold predictions on Caitlin Clark and Bronny James during recent episodes of First Take . But it seems as though Smith’s future — and the future of the show — may be just as controversial.

Related: Stephen A. Smith Predicts Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Will Break The Internet This July