One of the biggest never-ending debates in the US sporting world is about extravagant salary contracts. Especially during the NBA off-season, the media bombards the fans with contract values and salary details. However, there is one more thing that also leaves the sports fans in disbelief, which is the salary details of experts and analysts. And those are often more than that of the salaries paid to the coaches and a few active players. Stephen A. Smith is definitely one of them.

So, Rob Parker and Chris Broussard decided to step up their game and question Stephen A., someone who’s pretty vocal when it comes to other players. On The Odd Couple podcast show, they went after the veteran ESPN analyst over his mammoth salary.

“We work just as hard as Colin Cowherd. He’s making more than us. His show generates way more.” Parker further pushed it, saying, “Way more than us.” Notably, Cowherd and The Odd Couple work for the same network, Fox Sports. 

This is actually not the first time when Smith is making it to headlines over his salary. In 2019, he signed a five-year for $60 million, which was apparently the highest salary for an employee at ESPN, immediately sparking controversies as Smith was paid more than every NBA coach except for Spurs‘ Gregg Popovich. However, Warriors‘ Steve Kerr and Heat‘s Eric Spoelstra pulled him down in the following seasons with their extensions.

Now, with his latest contract extension, Smith sails in the same boat. The only difference this time around is a few petty comments coming his way.

And the comments did not stop just there. Broussard further remarked, “We work as hard as Stephen A. He’s about to get paid like he’s a freaking quarterback or something like he’s Justin Jefferson or something.”

Notably, Justin Jefferson is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, with an average annual salary of $35 million. So for someone to be comparing his salary to the Vikings star, what is his latest salary that’s so controversial?

What is Stephen A. Smith’s upcoming mammoth salary?

According to NBA insider Michael McCarthy, Stephen A. Smith is expected to receive a five-year contract extension from ESPN for $125 million. McCarthy, in his statement, said, “Sources have relayed that his new compensation could eventually come in between $20 million and $25 million per year over five years.” This extension will make him the highest-paid in the broadcasting industry and also earn more than any other NBA coach.

Currently, Steve Kerr is the highest-paid coach, with a $17 million annual salary. Once ESPN makes the official announcement, it will cause wildfire in the NBA world. However, The Odd Couple seemed to have consoled themselves after their rant. Broussard said, “We work just as hard, we put just as much into our craft. We get it. This is how it works.” Adding to it, Parker said, “We don’t all get paid the same amount ’cause we’re all doing the same job. It doesn’t work like that. We’re in the same industry”.

Moreover, Smith has already spoken about the naysayers when the controversy popped up last time. He said, “That’s like us talking about the Super Bowl and not talking about the champion. Right now and over the course of the last 12 years, I have been the champion in this industry, and all I’m asking folks to do is pay homage to the champion.” 

What do you make of the upcoming contract extension? Is Stephen A. making it rain money? Let us know in the comments.