Stephen A. Smith Opens Up to Mike Tyson About the Time a School Guidance Counselor “Literally Laughed” at His Face

In an episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson that’s as captivating as it is insightful, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith unveiled an unexpected chapter from his past that remains a profound influence on his present. The encounter, echoing through the years, was not with a formidable opponent in a sports arena or a heated debate with a fellow commentator. No, it was an intimate moment in a guidance counselor’s office during his high school days.

This experience serves as a cornerstone of Smith’s motivation and unyielding pursuit of greatness. As he retraces this peculiar journey from a seemingly dismissive laugh to an indomitable will, you’ll be left pondering whether the most striking battles we fight are truly on grand stages or, quite surprisingly, within the walls of ordinary high school offices.

The laugh that ignited a fire in the heart of Stephen A. Smith

The central revelation of the episode lies in the frank exchange that takes place between Tyson and Smith. Smith recounts, “A guidance counselor in high school literally laughed in my face when I told her I wanted to go to college because she just looked at me like I was nothing.” A biting experience, indeed, and one that has been instrumental in shaping his attitude toward life.

Smith, a towering personality in sports television, doesn’t merely leave the memory as a lamentable tale. He uses it as a catalyst for growth. Diving deeper into his philosophy of life, Smith confesses to Tyson, “I hold on to all of that and so when I give speeches and stuff like that one of the lines that I use is I’m the best. I know I say I’m brilliant or I’m the best because I know I’m not. I simply learn from those who have been that way and who are that way, and I master my craft to the best of my ability.”

Smith’s relentless pursuit against the common belief

He further elaborates, “It ain’t the fact that I truly believe that I’m great it’s the fact that I know I won’t stop until I achieve greatness and even then I won’t feel that I’m great because there’s another level of greatness to achieve, and another level and another level and another level. I won’t stop.”

Tyson, curious about this unwavering drive, queries, “When do that stop? When would you stop becoming hungry for that?” Smith responds with characteristic resilience, “I don’t know because it’s never happened.” It was an exchange that reveals the ceaseless fuel powering Smith’s journey to greatness.

Read More: Sylvester Stallone Lets Down Mike Tyson After Latest Surrender to Arnold Schwarzenegger

Stephen A. Smith’s story offers a stirring perspective on how each of us can turn setbacks into springboards for success. Interestingly, in the same episode, Tyson also opens up about what he believes to be the “biggest narcotic in the world,” providing yet another thought-provoking angle to the discussion.

Watch This Story: Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen DeGeneres, And More: Top 5 Talk Shows Mike Tyson Appeared On