Stephen A Smith
Stephen A. Smith, born Stephen Anthony Smith on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, began his sports journalism career covering the Philadelphia 76ers for the *Philadelphia Inquirer* in the late 1990s. He joined ESPN in 2003 and quickly became a central figure on *First Take*, which he has co-hosted since 2012. Known for his emphatic delivery and in-depth NBA analysis, Smith has been a key voice during major moments such as LeBron James’s 2010 Miami Heat decision and the rise of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. His signature emphatic "HOWEVER..." often signals a pivotal shift in his arguments on-air. In addition to *First Take*, Smith hosts *Stephen A’s World* on ESPN+ and has appeared in films like *Uncut Gems* (2019) and TV shows including *Ballers*. In March 2025, he signed a reported five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN, underscoring his status as one of sports media’s highest-paid personalities. Complex has highlighted Smith’s role in bridging sports commentary with hip-hop culture, noting his collaborations with artists like DJ Khaled and his presence at events such as the BET Hip Hop Awards, reflecting the intersection of sports, entertainment, and urban culture.
Latest Stories
Watch Cam'ron Barely Keep It Together While Trying Not to 'Pause' Stephen. A Smith
Cam was looking physically pained by the comments Smith made during a recent episode of 'First Take.'
Stephen A. Smith Joins the Celebrity Chorus in Demanding a Knicks Ring for Spike Lee
From courtside icon to ‘honorary champion’: why Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Hart say Spike Lee deserves a Knicks ring more than anyone.
Stephen A. Smith Rips Trump for Sleeping During Game 3 of NBA Finals: ‘The Brother Wasn’t Awake'
The sports personality claimed that President Trump "wasn't awake" during Game 3.
Donald Trump Says Stephen A. Smith Has a Low IQ After Smith Said He'd Blame Trump If the Knicks Lost
Trump was booed tremendously at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Stephen A. Smith on Kevin Hart’s Joke About the ESPN Host Hating Black People: ‘Stung Like Hell’
During 'The Roast of Kevin Hart,' the comedian joked that Smith was on his "Mount Rushmore of racism."
Knicks Superfans Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, and More Celebrate Team's First NBA Finals Since 1999
Can the Knicks take it all the way?
Jaylen Brown Says ‘F*ck’ Stephen A. Smith Amid Growing Feud: ‘I Want You to Be Quiet’
During a recent stream on Twitch, Brown responded to Smith's recent criticism of him.
Stephen A. Smith Turns Up Heat on ESPN to Bring Back Shannon Sharpe
After reuniting with Skip Bayless, Stephen A. turns up the heat on ESPN execs, revealing why he believes Sharpe was “great for the show” and deserves another shot.
Stephen A. Smith Appalled by Skip Bayless Arguing LeBron James Should Be Ranked Ninth: 'Blasphemous'
"It's almost so blasphemous, I don’t know if you should be banned from television," Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith Responds to Jaylen Brown Telling Him to Retire
The ESPN personality initially took issue with Brown complaining about the officiating on his Twitch stream.
Stephen A. Smith Tells Cam Newton Why 'Sex Appeal' Comes First in Dating
On Cam Newton’s ‘Funky Friday,’ Stephen A. Smith says sex appeal comes first, explaining why attraction is his non-negotiable starting point.
Stephen A. Smith Slams Megan Thee Stallion for Going Public with Klay Thompson Cheating Allegations
The ESPN host questionned why the rapper made certain details of her breakup public.
Stephen A. Smith Says ‘One Thing’ Victor Wembanyama Is Lacking Is ‘Beef, That Meat’
Smith praises Wembanyama’s talent but says his lean frame could be a concern, pointing to size and strength as his only weakness.
Stephen A. Smith Says Jaden Ivey Put His NBA Future in Jeopardy After Anti-LGBTQ+ Livestream
“You got a future to think about."
Stephen A. Smith Says He's Not Running for President: 'It's Not Happening'
The ESPN star finally addresses months of 2028 buzz, revealing why politics can’t compete with his $100M media empire.
Draymond Green Fires Back at Stephen A. Smith Over Media's 'Zero Accountability'
The back-and-forth began after Green criticized the media's handling of the commentary surrounding Nico Harrison’s decision to trade Luka Dončić.
Stephen A. Smith Clashes With Pelicans Over Zion Williamson Criticism: 'Y'all Are Horrible'
Smith’s comments on Zion’s weight, discipline, and organizational leaks triggered a viral exchange with New Orleans’ official account.
Stephen A. Smith Says He Disappointed His Mom by Having Kids Out of Wedlock
“When you are a dad, but you’re not married, and you’re not with the mom, it’s challenging."