By Katherine Tinsley
2:16am PST, Mar 8, 2025
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A source told
The Athletic Stephen A. Smith snagged a contract with ESPN worth $100 million, and he will continue to host the network's
First Take program.
While Smith has become a permanent fixture on
First Take, he will take a step back from being a series regular on the NBA pregame show
Monday Night Football and other series.
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In addition to his job in the sports industry, the Bronx native will be able to accept additional opportunities outside of ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith, who has been vocal about his opinions on politics and pop culture, has gained more popularity since sharing his thoughts on the government as of late.
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Recently, Stephen A. Smith appeared on
The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, March 5, and opened up to
Jimmy Fallon about fans clamoring to see the sports journalist in the Oval Office.
"I mean, what's going on? What does this mean?" the
Saturday Night Live alum asked.
"Folks are nuts, number one," Smith replied.
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Since the 2024 election, Stephen A. Smith has been transparent about his beliefs.
"I watch these things. I watch these things," Smith began, referring to social media comments urging him to make a career change.
"And I'm saying, 'Wait a minute now. I don't want to do this.' But the fact that they're talking about me this way, I must say, I approve this message," he added, as Fallon held up headlines suggesting the journalist run for office.
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However, popular Democratic strategist James Carville was bothered by Stephen A. Smith's commentary.
"He's on there running his g***** mouth about how he may have to run as a Democrat, because there's nothing left in the Democrat party, there's no talent," Carville said on his "War Room" podcast. "Stephen A, are you s****** me?"
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Stephen A. Smith addressed the critics on his podcast, "The Stephen A Smith Show."
"I religiously say I am no political aficionado. I religiously say I don't know politics like that. I read, I watch the news, I am a conscientious observer. But I do have to ask you a question, Mr. James Carville, albeit rhetorically. You do know that you are talking to a voter right? Could that be one of the reasons y'all lost? Just a thought." he stressed.
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Stephen A. Smith later alluded to James Carville being a part of what's holding Democrats back.
"Because you sound like one of those old curmudgeons that want things to be the way that they used to be," he stated.
"And you are resentful, harboring an abundance of animosity because you are not being heard," the anchor continued. "That is not Stephen A. Smith's fault, sir. That's that d— Democratic Party that I was talking about."
