Superstar sports personality Stephen A. Smith fears he could be next when it comes to another round of layoffs expected to come at ESPN.
While ESPN is one of the top sources of breaking sports news, the company owned by Disney has been in the headlines recently after a recent round of layoffs at the network. Quite a few employees were cut from the payroll in May, however, it got far less attention because they were talented individuals behind the camera.
Related: Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose among 20 ESPN departures in latest layoffs
Last week, familiar faces like Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jalen Rose were just a few of the names let go by the company as they acquiesce to Disney’s demands for over $2 billion in planned cost-cutting. While ESPN staff is part of the 7,000 job losses from Disney’s portfolio of companies, the firings there have made mainstream waves because of the brand’s reach.
One talent that was not a part of the cuts is top talking-head Stephen A. Smith. The New York native who is the face of many of the network’s popular shows is one of its highest-paid and most famous talents. Due to his value to ESPN, one would assume he would be safe, however, Smith believes he could be next.
Stephen A. Smith blasts those pushing for his ESPN layoff
During a recent record on his personal YouTube Channel, the legendary ESPN talent said, “I could be next.”… “This ain’t the end. More is coming.” While speaking on his future at the network not being guaranteed, he also took aim at those inside the media business who have suggested he should be cut, instead of some co-workers making more than him but aren’t Black.
“Let me address something to some of the haters out there about me. Y’all can kiss my [expletive]. Twice. And 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 have a few people at ESPN getting paid more than me.
“They don’t have a No. 1 show, they don’t have top ratings, they don’t generate more revenue …and by the way, none of them are Black. How come you didn’t bring their names up? I wonder why? I’m talking to those folks, the critics in media, or the wannabe media with the blogosphere and the websites.”
– Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith reportedly makes $12 million annually with ESPN. Recent hire Pat McAfee landed a deal that allegedly pays him $17 million a year for the next five years.