Layoffs are a part of any corporation’s growth and success. It’s a step that many big companies take as a strict measure to cut costs. The news television world is no different. Recently, ESPN laid off 20 of its members from the broadcast channel. Many popular faces within the fraternity expressed their views on the company’s actions. Even the former Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal expressed his views about an untouchable figure in the company.

As of now, Stephen A Smith is among the last remaining member of the line-up. Smith even took to social media to express his gratitude towards his former colleagues. He specifically named a few but when fans saw that he missed an important name from the list, they lashed out at him and showed him no mercy.

Stephen A. Smith reacts to the mass layoff

In his recent podcast on ‘The Stephen A Smith Show’ the NBA analyst expressed his gratitude towards his former colleagues who were part of ESPN for many years. He shared a clip from his podcast on social media where he specifically mentioned Jalen Rose along with others, for their contributions.

He explicitly said, “ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent, friends of mine actually, definitely respected colleagues who’ve done a phenomenal job and deserved better. They deserved better than the times we’re living in. To see Jalen Rose gone, my brother got a lot of love for that brother a lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company. He is a brilliant brilliant basketball mind, he is somebody that worked his a** off all the time.”

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He showed respect to Jeff Van Gundy as well. “Jeff Van Gundy is another outstanding, brilliant basketball analyst for ESPN for years. I could say I am going to miss him but I just cannot imagine he is going to be out of work for long,” he said.

“I am sure I’ll see him on the air doing his thing. Jeff Van Gundy is a Hall of Fame analyst and commentator,” Smith added.

He mentioned other names like Neil Everett and Ashley Brewer from Sports Center, Keyshawn Johnson, David Pollock, and Todd McShay. But he missed Max Kellerman’s name and fans couldn’t stand this down.

Fans react to Smith’s message

Stephen A. Smith is a well-known TV personality. While some fans love him for his energy and enthusiasm, some criticize his way of analysis. When he dropped the video on his social media mentioning the names of his colleagues, and expressing gratitude, fans went mad at him.

When he didn’t say Kellerman’s name one fan said, “Steady throws Max Kellerman under the bus cause Max ran circles around him on his own show😂“

Another fan said, “The no Max Kellerman mention was intentional Af.”

A fan even questioned him, “How do you not mention Max? He helped propel your career and notoriety”

And one fan expressed his anger and even questioned the choice to let Kendrick Perkins stay. He said, “How tf does Kendrick Perkins still have a job? Y’all let go of jalen rose but keep Perkins? Y’all let go of Kellerman, BUT KEEP PERKINS?! .. bruh.”

Another neutral fan added, “Here for the Max Kellerman comments… and low and behold you guys didn’t disappoint 😂“

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