“I’ve Been No.1 for Damn Near 12 Years”: After Surviving Massive Layoffs, Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Charles Barkley and Other “Industry Trolls”

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has taken his show “First Take” to unimaginable heights. The show is one of the highest-ranked Sports Debate shows on television. After the departure of former co-host Skip Bayless, followed by the firing of Max Kellerman, Stephen A. Smith holds the reigns of the entire show. His genius can be seen from the constant adjustments on the show based on what people want to watch.

Despite “First Take” being the No. 1 show for over a decade, critics from the industry, including Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, have criticized the veteran analyst for multiple reasons. Stephen A. Smith finally responded to his trolls from the industry, backing his comments with facts.

Stephen A. Smith Responds to “Industry Trolls”

Stephen A. Smith was a guest on The Joe Budden Podcast, where he revealed to the world why he has been posting the numbers of his show First Take alongside Skip Bayless’ show Undisputed. The reason is not to rub salt on his former Co-host’s wounds but to reveal to the fans what is happening in the industry. Responding to the critics like Charles Barkley from his own industry, the 55-year-old said, “I been No.1 for damn near 12 years, and y’all acting like I am just moving my mouth.”

Stephen A. Smith joined First Take in April 2012, and the show saw an instant spike in ratings after his arrival. “By May, we were Number 1, and we been Number 1.” Smith added. The show has been on a constant rise since Stephen A. joined First Take. He also called out a Sports Illustrated journalist who questioned why Stephen A. was not fired when many other ESPN employees were let go by the company. “I make money for the company.” Stephen A. exclaimed that he makes $150-200 million for ESPN, and the said journalist is well aware of the facts. “He knew the numbers, he knew the facts, but he wouldn’t tell them.” Smith said.

Stephen A. Smith has earned his place in the industry

Before the era of Podcasts and social media, sports media was dominated by radio, newspapers, and magazines. Stephen A. Smith worked his way up the industry, becoming the “21st Black person in American history” to be named a General Sports Columnist. He was one of the few people from his community with the license to give their opinion.

Read More: “I Didn’t Like Working With Him”: 76 Days After ESPN Fired His Millionaire Colleague, Stephen A. Smith Comes Clean on the “Stale” Environment

Even after transitioning to television, Stephen A. proved his mettle by becoming Number 1. The veteran ESPN analyst claims the trolls in the industry choose to hide facts from the audience despite knowing the ins and outs of the industry. “You can’t take away what I did for the last 12 years.” Stephen A. Smith concluded as the panel agreed in unison.

There is a reason Stephen A. Smith’s show has been No.1 for over a decade. Even though many critics love to hate the 55-year-old because of his over-the-top personality and wild takes, they cannot argue with facts and numbers.

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