Stephen A. Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stephen A. Smith
Smith in 2023
Born	Stephen Anthony Smith (1967-10-14) October 14, 1967 (age 57) New York City, U.S.
Education	Winston-Salem State University (BA)
Occupation	Sports television personality sports radio host sports journalist
Employer	ESPN Inc.
Political party	Independent
Children	2
Stephen A. Smith Point guard / shooting guard Personal information High school Thomas A. Edison (Queens, New York) Career information College Winston-Salem (1987–1991)

Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), often called Stephen A., is a famous American sports television host, radio personality, and journalist. He is best known for his work with ESPN. You can often see him on shows like SportsCenter and First Take, where he shares his strong opinions about sports, especially the NBA.

Smith is also a writer for ESPN and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is known for his energetic and passionate style of talking about sports.

Early Life and School Days

Stephen A. Smith was born in the Bronx, a part of New York City, and grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens. He is the youngest of six children. His parents came to the U.S. from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

After high school, Smith went to the Fashion Institute of Technology for a year. He then earned a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. He played on the basketball team for the famous coach Clarence Gaines.

Unfortunately, a serious knee injury ended his basketball playing career. While still in college, he started writing for the school newspaper, The News Argus. He graduated in 1991 with a degree in mass communication.

Career in Sports Media

Newspaper and Radio Work

Smith started his career writing for newspapers like the Winston-Salem Journal and the New York Daily News. In 1994, he joined The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he wrote about the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and later became a general sports columnist.

Smith in 2009

In 2005, Smith began hosting a radio show on WEPN in New York City. He later had shows on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. On his show, he correctly predicted that basketball stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh would all sign with the Miami Heat in 2010.

Over the years, he moved between different radio stations, including Sirius XM, before returning to ESPN in 2017. His show is now heard on ESPN radio stations across the country.

Television Stardom

Smith's television career began in 1999. In 2005, he started hosting his own show on ESPN called Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith. After it ended, he focused on being an NBA analyst for the network.

Smith in 2017.

In 2012, Smith became a full-time co-host of ESPN's First Take. On the show, he became famous for his lively debates with his co-host Skip Bayless. Smith is known for his passionate arguments and memorable catchphrases.

Controversial Moments

Smith is known for speaking his mind, which has sometimes led to controversy. In 2014, he was suspended from ESPN for one week after making comments about a sensitive issue involving an NFL player. He apologized for his remarks.

He also received criticism for a joke he made about female soccer players during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, which some people found disrespectful. He later apologized for the comment.

Smith at a 2016 First Take filming at Joint Base Charleston

Expanding His Role at ESPN

Smith's role at ESPN has continued to grow. In 2019, he signed a large contract with the network. He also began working as a commentator for the UFC when ESPN started broadcasting its events.

In 2021, he started covering soccer more, creating segments for Euro 2020. His success has made him one of the highest-paid personalities at ESPN.

Acting and Other Projects

Besides his sports commentary, Smith has also tried acting. He has appeared several times on the ABC soap opera General Hospital as a character named Brick. He is a big fan of the show.

He also had a small role in the 2007 movie I Think I Love My Wife and has been in commercials for Oberto beef jerky. In 2023, he published a book about his life called Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes.

Political Views and Ambitions

Smith with Delaware senator Chris Coons in 2020.

Smith has described himself as politically independent. He has interviewed politicians on his YouTube channel and has appeared on talk shows like The View.

In late 2024 and early 2025, Smith said he might consider running for President of the United States in the future if he felt he had enough support from the American people. He later clarified that he prefers being a media personality but would keep his options open. He has stated that if he were to run, it would be as a Democrat, but he has also been critical of both major political parties.

On-Air Personality

Smith is famous for his unique style on First Take. He uses catchphrases like "blasphemous" to describe something he finds unbelievable. He is also known for calling former quarterback Aaron Rodgers a "bad man" as a form of high praise.

He is a very vocal critic of the Dallas Cowboys football team. He often mocks the team and its fans, especially after a loss.

Smith has also become more involved in hockey commentary since ESPN began broadcasting NHL games. He often has NHL player P.K. Subban as a guest on his shows.

Personal Life

In a 2019 interview, Smith shared that he has two daughters. He is a fan of the New York Yankees, New York Knicks, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Filmography

Film

Television

Works

• 2023: Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes ISBN: 978-1982189495

See also

• New Yorkers in journalism