Stephen A. Smith Excluded From Marquee ESPN Program; Is He Being Forced Out?

Let’s get one thing straight: Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere. But if you’ve been scrolling through your social media feeds, you might think the king of sports talk is being escorted out of ESPN’s Bristol headquarters. The “news” dropped that Smith was noticeably absent from the revamped NBA Countdown lineup, and the internet did what the internet does: it lost its collective mind.

Cue the victory laps from his detractors and the confused head-scratching from his fans. Headlines screamed about a “demotion,” a “surprise shake-up,” and some even hinted he was “fired.” It was the kind of digital dogpile Smith himself would probably find amusing. But here’s the real tea: this move has been in the works for months. It’s not a demotion; it’s a strategic pivot. Smith is simply too big for one show.

The Truth Behind the Changes

This whole kerfuffle stems from ESPN announcing its “new-look” NBA Countdown team. The fresh lineup features the sharp Malika Andrews as host, joined by senior writer Brian Windhorst, 2023 NBA Champ coach Michael Malone, and the ever-outspoken Kendrick Perkins. It’s a solid crew, no doubt. But the absence of its most famous face, Stephen A., sent shockwaves.

However, anyone paying attention knew this was coming. Back in March, when Smith inked his monstrous new $105 million contract, reports surfaced that his role on NBA Countdown would be winding down. The man is building an empire. Between hosting First Take, launching his own YouTube show, and helming two Sirius XM radio programs, his schedule is more packed than the lane when Giannis Antetokounmpo drives to the hoop.

He’s branching out, talking politics, and expanding his personal brand. You can’t be omnipresent on ESPN and build your own media conglomerate simultaneously. Something had to give, and that something was the pregame show.

Why Smith Is Leveling Up, Not Down

This isn’t a setback for Smith; it’s a promotion in disguise. He’s shedding a responsibility to focus on bigger ventures. ESPN also now has the legendary Inside the NBA crew with Charles Barkley and Shaq as part of its playoff coverage. Trying to fit Smith into that equation would be like trying to have two lead singers in the same band.

ESPN is letting its biggest star focus on what he does best: driving daily conversation on First Take and developing his own content. They’re not sidelining Smith; they’re unshackling him. He’s been the face of NBA Countdown (and its predecessor, NBA Shootaround) for the better part of two decades. He’s put in the time. Now, he’s cashing in his chips to build a legacy that extends beyond the four letters of his network.

So, for everyone celebrating his “downfall,” you might want to pump the brakes. Smith is playing chess, not checkers. He’s not just a commentator anymore; he’s a media mogul in the making. And love him or hate him, you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.