Stephen A. Smith on redefining sports broadcasting

The Limits with Jay Williams

On this week's episode of The Limits, Jay talks to his ESPN colleague and longtime friend, Stephen A. Smith. The First Take co-host and network star has reinvented how sports, politics, and candor can go together on the air. As one veteran executive told him shortly after his 2003 ESPN audition, "It was the greatest audition I have ever seen in the history of this business."
When the studio lights come on, Stephen A. Smith is always ready. But he stumbled in his early career, letting his ego get the best of him after the cameras were off. He was temporarily let go from ESPN in 2009, and his mom made him literally look in the mirror and reevaluate what he was willing to put into--and get out of--his professional path.
That wisdom has paid off, and Stephen A. is now one of the highest-paid sports analysts in history. He talks to Jay about how he remains fearless in linking sports and politics, the responsibility he feels as a Black man to use his platform and be heard, and his controversial opinions on Colin Kaepernick.
Stephen A. Smith's memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, is now available for pre-order and releases on January 17, 2023.
For sponsor-free episodes, weekly bonus content, and more, subscribe to The Limits Plus. This week, Stephen A. continues to unpack the link between sports and politics in America.
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