Stephen A. Smith is facing scrutiny once more after recent comments made during a conversation on the “Naked Sports” podcast with fellow broadcaster Cari Champion. Joy Reid, a prominent media personality, challenged Smith’s assertion regarding her dismissal from MSNBC, claiming it was a ratings-related decision. Reid vehemently disagreed, delivering a powerful critique of Smith’s commentary on Black people, particularly Black women.
In a segment that has since gained traction on social media, Reid stated, “They’re paying you, not for your number, my friend. They’re paying you because you are willing to say the nasty things about Black people that they want to say.” She elaborated, emphasizing that Smith’s willingness to promote derogatory stereotypes about Black women plays into a larger narrative for the entertainment of predominantly white audiences. “You now think that ‘Oh, I must be a freaking political genius,’” she remarked, pointing to the problematic nature of his statements.
Reid further challenged Smith’s credibility by addressing his ratings, suggesting that his financial success—reportedly $100 million for his current show—did not correlate with a substantial viewership. “I had to literally Google his numbers,” she elaborated, questioning whether Smith’s audience could even reach four million, a figure she deemed average for networks like CNN. “That’s not that high,” she concluded, casting doubt on the validity of his claims regarding viewership and success.
This confrontation is not isolated, as Smith has recently faced critiques from various commentators, including his former “First Take” co-host Max Kellerman, Dan Le Batard, and Jason Whitlock, among others. The ongoing dialogue highlights the tension within sports media, particularly regarding the portrayal and treatment of Black individuals in the industry. Reid’s remarks not only reflect a growing frustration with Smith’s rhetoric but also resonate with broader concerns about representation, race, and accountability in sports journalism.
