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Outspoken media persona Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Thursday night time’s presidential election debate.
The longtime ESPN commentator has spoken brazenly about politics lately, regardless of the community’s push to “confine itself to sports activities” and keep away from political commentary, particularly since Jimmy Pitaro in 2018 took over administration of the corporate.
Smith confirmed his willingness to enterprise into politics when he appeared on NewsNation through the community’s presidential debate protection Thursday night time.
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Stephen A. Smith watches throughout Sport 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks on the American Airways Heart in Dallas on June 14. (Jim Cowsert/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs)
Shortly after the talk ended, Smith took to social media to share some extra ideas on what occurred in Atlanta. He additionally took a swipe at Vice President Harris and former first girl Michelle Obama as he gave his ideas on the talk.
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“So will you lastly cease arguing with me about Biden???” Smith shared in a put up on X. “Are your fears now confirmed? @MichelleObama. @VP. Somebody. Please assist! Biden’s crew WANTED this? His workers, his family members…. How may you set him there like that! How may you!”
Along with his function at ESPN, Smith additionally hosts “The Stephen A. Smith Present.” He has beforehand said that the podcast is separate from his duties on the community and that the platform offers him the liberty to debate politics or different information subjects that curiosity him.
Pitaro took over as ESPN president in 2018. Underneath his management, the community has consciously steered away from programming and commentary that delves into politics or race relations.
Former President Trump (left) and President Biden debated on Thursday night. (Getty Photographs)
“I’ve had the dialogue internally with lots of of our staff that sports activities is about unifying and that ESPN ought to unite individuals round sports activities,” Pitaro mentioned. The Washington Put up in 2019. “That is our function, or one in all our roles.”
He added that he additionally tries to take heed to what sports activities followers say in regards to the exhibits they need to watch.
“After all I’m, and I’ve my very own opinions. However I additionally acknowledge that once I or any of our on-air personalities converse publicly, that’s perceived because the opinion of ESPN, and that can’t be based mostly on what our followers inform us,” Pitaro mentioned.
“What we have mentioned from day 1 is that we’re the place of reporting, we cowl the intersection of sports activities and politics. That hasn’t modified. Why is it not possible to differentiate between sports activities information and non-sports information?”
Sports activities commentator Stephen A. Smith seems on a podcast. (PBD podcast)
Nonetheless, in July 2019, then-ESPN radio host Dan Le Batard referred to as out the community for putting restrictions on political commentary.
“We right here at ESPN are usually not within the temper for the combat,” Le Batard mentioned on his radio present on the time. “We do not discuss what’s taking place except there’s some type of weak, cowardly sports activities angle we are able to get it by way of.” Le Batard’s feedback got here shortly after the “ship her again” slogans directed at Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., that broke out at a political rally.
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Smith has grow to be one in all ESPN’s greatest stars and is reportedly in contract negotiations with the community. In response to PukSmith’s contract expires in 2025, however he has been provided a brand new deal that might pay him $18 million yearly.
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Stephen A. Smith weighs in after Trump-Biden debate: ‘Are your fears confirmed?’
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