Rather a lot has been made concerning the latest expertise cuts made by ESPN. It’s the most recent cost-saving measure made by Disney after they made a paltry $82 billion final yr. In the same transfer, National Geographic, which Disney additionally owns, fired its total writing employees and can transfer to a digital-only manufacturing. However, for a lot of sports activities followers, the ESPN cuts ran particularly deep. Not solely did partaking and beloved contributors like Jalen Rose and Keyshawn Johnson get the axe, however the firm additionally laid off some true legacy stars. Max Kellerman had been with ESPN since 1998, for instance. The aforementioned Johnson was laid off after 15 years with the broadcaster.
Obviously, a number of huge names escaped this spherical of layoffs. Pat McAfee, who will be part of ESPN this fall, acquired a considerable amount of criticism for formally signing his large contract with the corporate within the wake of the layoffs. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith additionally stays on the firm. Smith is considerably of a divisive determine for a lot of. Building his model as a speaking head, many see him merely as a “hot take factory” whose job it’s to spice up ESPN‘s engagement. However, Smith can be a diligent and insightful journalist who often has a purpose behind no matter wild factor he’s saying on First Take that day. However, in true Stephen A. trend, Smith took to The Stephen A. Smith Show to deal with individuals who wished that he had been laid off.
Smith Addresses Haters
“Let me address something,” Smith started. “To some of the haters out there about me. Y’all can kiss my ass. Twice. I’m talking directly to the people in the industry who sat up there and said ‘Why isn’t Stephen A. gone?’ Ladies and gentlemen, we got a few people here at ESPN getting paid more than me. They don’t have the number one show, the top ratings. They don’t generate more revenue. How come y’all don’t bring their names up? And by the way, none of them are Black.”
He continued. “How come you don’t bring their names up? I wonder why? I’m talking to those folks, the critics in the media, or the wannabe media with the blogosphere and websites that never went through the terrain of being members, official members, of the fourth estate. I’m talking about them. How come y’all don’t bring them up? But me, who’s been number one, who’s got the top-rated show. Who, by the way, is an executive producer on that top-rated show. My name comes up.”
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