Stephen A. Smith is an American sports television personality, sports radio host and sports journalist known for his work as an NBA analyst for ESPN on various shows like SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.
He was born on October 14, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, and has a background in basketball, having played in college at Winston-Salem State University.
Smith has a prolific career in print media, having worked for publications like The Philadelphia Inquirer and ESPN Radio.
He is also an executive producer and commentator on ESPN’s First Take and NBA Countdown.
Additionally, Smith has ventured into film with appearances in movies like I Think I Love My Wife and Creed III.
Known for his passionate commentary and strong opinions on sports, Smith is a prominent figure in the sports journalism industry with a significant presence across various media platforms.
| Net worth | $20 million |
| Salary | $12 million per year |
| Profession | Sports TV personality, sports radio host, sports journalist |
| Date of birth | October 14, 1967 |
| Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Smith was raised in Queens as the fifth of six children to parents from the United States Virgin Islands.
He attended Thomas Edison High School and later received a basketball scholarship to study Mass Communication at Winston-Salem State University, graduating in 1991.
Smith’s journalism career began at the Winston-Salem Journal before moving on to work for newspapers like the New York Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he spent over 16 years covering sports and eventually becoming a general sports columnist.
His bold and controversial style emerged early in his career when he published an article criticizing his college basketball coach, showcasing his fearlessness as an aspiring journalist.
This background laid the foundation for Smith’s successful journey into sports journalism and broadcasting.
Net worth
Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million.
His wealth primarily stems from his successful career in sports media, particularly his work as an ESPN analyst and sports television personality.
Smith’s journey in journalism began in the mid-1990s, working for newspapers like The Philadelphia Inquirer and later transitioning to ESPN, where he has become one of the highest-paid TV personalities in the network’s history.
Known for his passionate commentary and dynamic delivery, Smith has solidified his position as a prominent figure in sports journalism, earning significant recognition and financial success throughout his career.
ESPN salary
Smith’s current salary at ESPN is approximately $12 million per year.
He has expressed that he believes this salary makes him underpaid compared to some of his colleagues, especially in light of recent high-profile hires at ESPN like Troy Aikman, Joe Buck, and Pat McAfee, who have secured larger contracts in the past two years.
Smith has been vocal about his desire to be the highest-paid talent at ESPN, emphasizing his contributions to the network and the sports media landscape as a whole.
Car collection
Smith’s car collection includes a variety of vehicles that reflect his success and personal preferences.
He has owned cars like a 1994 Honda Accord, which was his first new car purchased when he started working full-time as a journalist.
Additionally, Smith has been seen driving a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a 2015 Range Rover.
Furthermore, he had the opportunity to drive a Lamborghini Urus, as showcased in a YouTube video where he test-drove the $300,000 luxury vehicle.
Smith’s interest in cars extends beyond ownership, as he engaged in discussions about the Cars franchise mascot Lightning McQueen during a talk show segment, demonstrating his knowledge and passion for automobiles.
Early career
Smith’s early career began in print media, where he worked for newspapers like The Philadelphia Inquirer, covering the Philadelphia 76ers as their NBA columnist before transitioning to a general sports columnist role.
He started his journalism journey at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and Record, and the New York Daily News, showcasing his versatility and dedication to sports reporting.
Smith’s commitment to journalism and sports commentary laid the groundwork for his later success in television and radio broadcasting, establishing him as a prominent figure in the sports media industry.
Career breakthrough
Smith’s breakthrough in his career is multifaceted.
Initially, his transition from print media to television and radio broadcasting marked a significant turning point.
Smith’s bold and controversial style, coupled with his deep knowledge of sports, garnered attention and propelled him to prominence in the sports journalism industry.
Furthermore, his work as an NBA analyst for ESPN on shows like SportsCenter and NBA Countdown solidified his position as a leading sports television personality.
Additionally, Smith’s ability to engage audiences with his passionate commentary and strong opinions contributed to his breakthrough, making him a recognizable and influential figure in sports media.
Beyond his professional success, Smith’s breakthrough also includes personal challenges, such as overcoming misdiagnosis and mistreatment of OCD, as highlighted in his journey with NOCD.
Philadelphia Inquirer stint
Smith’s time at The Philadelphia Inquirer was marked by both success and challenges.
Initially, he reported on the Philadelphia 76ers as their NBA columnist before transitioning to a general sports columnist role.
In 2007, Smith faced a setback when the Inquirer announced that he would no longer write columns and was demoted to a general-assignment reporter, leading to his eventual firing the following year.
However, an arbitrator later ruled that his termination was unjust, resulting in Smith being reinstated as a columnist in 2010, albeit for a brief period before leaving the paper for good less than a year later.
Despite the ups and downs during his tenure at The Philadelphia Inquirer, his resilience and determination ultimately shaped his career trajectory, leading him to become a prominent sports television personality and journalist.
Radio career
Smith’s radio career has been a significant part of his journey in sports media.
In April 2005, he began hosting a weekday radio show on WEPN in New York City, initially from noon to 2 PM, alongside Brandon Tierney.
The show later shifted to the 2-4 PM slot, with the second hour broadcast nationally on ESPN Radio, replacing part of The Dan Patrick Show.
Smith’s radio show ended in April 2008 as he transitioned to expand his career in television broadcasting, with Scott Van Pelt taking over his time slot.
Throughout his radio career, he made notable contributions, correctly predicting significant events like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh signing with the Miami Heat during the 2010 free agency period.
Smith’s radio presence further expanded when he became an on-air contributor to Fox Sports Radio and later hosted a morning show for the network in January 2010.
His radio engagements have been pivotal in establishing his voice and expertise in sports commentary beyond television platforms.
Podcast
Smith hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast, where he shares his renowned point of view on a wide range of topics beyond sports, including entertainment, pop culture, society, business and politics.
The podcast offers unfiltered opinions on the day’s biggest headlines and features straight-shooting interviews with top game-changers and thought leaders across various societal arenas.
Listeners can expect to be entertained, informed, and motivated by tuning in to Smith’s show, which airs three times a week.
The podcast is available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud, providing a convenient way for audiences to access Smith’s unique perspective and engaging discussions on current issues and trends.
Stephen A. Smith acting career
Smith has ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility beyond sports media.
He has a recurring role on the soap opera General Hospital and has expressed a desire to pursue more acting opportunities to enhance his performance on television.
Smith’s involvement in projects like Creed III, I Think I Love My Wife and Almost Christmas as a writer, producer and actor highlights his commitment to diversifying his professional portfolio.
Despite not having taken acting lessons, he believes that trying his hand at acting can improve his overall on-screen presence and contribute to his career growth, demonstrating his ambition to excel in various creative endeavors.
Controversies
Smith has faced controversies throughout his career, with one notable incident occurring in 2014 when he made comments implying that women may provoke domestic abuse incidents while discussing Ray Rice’s suspension from the NFL.
These remarks led to Smith being suspended by ESPN and forced to issue an apology for his insensitive comments on domestic violence.
Despite clarifying that his words were misunderstood, the incident remains a significant stain on his career, as he expressed frustration at being associated with domestic violence despite never having engaged in such behavior himself.
Additionally, Smith has been criticized for his provocative and sometimes polarizing commentary style, particularly on shows like First Take, where he engages in heated debates and takes extreme positions to elicit strong reactions from the audience.
While this approach has contributed to his success and reshaped sports media, it has also drawn criticism for prioritizing sensationalism over thoughtful analysis and responsible journalism.
Family
Smith’s family has played a significant role in his life and career.
He grew up with four older sisters, an older brother, and a brother on his father’s side.
Smith’s mother, Janet Smith, was a pivotal figure in his life, working multiple jobs, including as a registered nurse, to support the family.
Smith has been private about his personal life but has shared insights into his relationship with his mother, who passed away in 2017 after battling colon cancer.
He has expressed deep love and admiration for his mother, crediting her for shaping him into the person he is today.
Smith also has two teenage daughters, Samantha and Nyla, whom he introduced to the public in 2019, highlighting the blessings and challenges of fatherhood.
