Fans Clamor for Courtney Cronin to Take Over 'First Take' Amid Stephen A. Smith's Absence.

Stephen A SmithPhoto by(Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

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Fans Demand a Change Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery commentary on ESPN's ‘First Take,’ has recently been on vacation, leaving the hosting duties to Courtney Cronin. Cronin, who joined ESPN in 2017 and covers the Chicago Bears, has been a hit with the audience during her stint. Her extensive football knowledge and calm demeanor have won over many fans.

Public Reaction Viewers have taken to social media to express their preference for Cronin. A notable tweet stated, “Going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be an NBA lead for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL. Ball knowers should not be treated like second class while buffoons yelling s*** with no substance get promoted.” Another enthusiastic fan posted, “You’re my new favorite Courtney!!!”

The Bigger Picture

While it is unlikely that Cronin will replace Smith permanently, her recent performance opens the possibility of her having more screen time on ESPN. Cronin’s rapport with guests and her insightful analysis have been a breath of fresh air for the show.

Stephen A. Smith’s Status Stephen A. Smith is currently negotiating a new contract with ESPN, rumored to be a four-year deal worth up to $25 million per year, potentially making him the network’s first $100 million television talent. Meanwhile, ‘First Take’ remains popular, bolstered by the likes of Shannon Sharpe, Molly Qerim, Chris Russo, Ryan Clark, and Kendrick Perkins.

Cronin’s Background Before covering the Chicago Bears, Cronin reported on the Minnesota Vikings and served as a radio host. She moved to Chicago in 2022 and has since become a respected voice in sports journalism.

Expert Opinions Courtney Cronin herself addressed her approach to the show: “How does JJ Redick maintain his composure when dealing with adversity? And I think you all know what I'm getting at here, is he dropping F-bombs the way that he did in his introductory press conference? That wasn't a good look… it wasn't a good look for…”

Conclusion

Whether Courtney Cronin will continue to feature prominently on ‘First Take’ after Stephen A. Smith's return remains uncertain. However, her impressive performance has certainly made a case for more female representation and knowledgeable analysts in sports media.

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Source: totalprosports.com