Stephen A. Smith On Becoming The Face Of ESPN, Skip Bayless, His Relationships w/ NBA Players & More
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Our guest this week is none other than the legendary face of ESPN, Stephen A. Smith. Topics include: How Stephen A. really feels about JJ Redick's performance on ESPN and First Take, the criticisms that he yells too much on First Take, how First Take came to prominence at ESPN, his relationship with Skip Bayless, his past as a writer in Philadelphia, his one career regret involving Allen Iverson, his relationship with NBA players today, criticism from players, how he almost did politics at CNN and Fox News, why he thinks Donald Trump lost the presidency, why Ben Simmons is the antithesis of what Allen Iverson stood for in Philadelphia, his thoughts on Draymond Green and "The New Media," debate tactics, why he's STILL picking The Golden State Warriors to beat The Boston Celtics in The NBA Finals, why he thinks it's funny that NBA players get aggregated on their own platforms and so much more.
Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN) and Tommy Alter KZread channel today for more NBA player interview and NBA Finals highlights.
Пікірлер: 1 200
Say what you want about Stephen A Smith and his takes, but he really has worked hard to get to where he is today and you gotta respect him for that.
@arturmeric7892
2 жыл бұрын
Fax
@Chris-wq3pe
2 жыл бұрын
You call talking about sports working hard ?
@seymourlove4788
2 жыл бұрын
Shut up homer
@everythinggamingpros
2 жыл бұрын
@@Chris-wq3pe don’t act like anyone could do this fam
@randyevans2049
2 жыл бұрын
@@Chris-wq3pe excuse me but you are watching right ?? If not why then wth you doing in the comments
SAS is so chill here compared to being on First Take. Pretty obvious that SAS plays a much more theatrical role in First Take for viewership’s sake. Gotta respect SAS for the time and effort put into his work as a journalist. Great podcast as always
@sleepwalkernation
2 жыл бұрын
1000 percent
@Matfridt
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, he's definitely playing a character on First Take. He's paid to throw out scorching hot takes every week, he's probably extremely chill off air.
@JohnSmith-tk7nt
2 жыл бұрын
Yup he's a smart dude, he's playing a character and he does it well
@blantant
2 жыл бұрын
Say what you will about the man. His work ethic should never be questioned and the ratings seem to speak for themselves. Respect.
@Juganator
2 жыл бұрын
He created the entire blueprint. It’s always been a work. How many shows are a spin off of Stephen A’s idea? Pioneer.
This man didn’t shy away from any of the questions.. much respect. Great questions presented!
@MrE_
2 жыл бұрын
For real. What a great sport
@davidk6504
2 жыл бұрын
Much more respect for SAS
@Santiago_RS
2 жыл бұрын
I also like the way he answered, it was entertaining and interesting. Stephen A is a great guy
@stebypeters8188
2 жыл бұрын
He definitely told JJ to not bring up Max tho
I could listen to these two talk in this manner for hours. Sometimes the shouting n theatrics of first take can be tiring but just talking sports n other stuff in general in this relaxed manner is very refreshing. Stephen A seems like a straight up, no bs great dude. Great pod once again JJ n Tommy
@Daniel_Ilyich
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I enjoy this side of Stephen A. much more. He's smart and as something to say, but in this format he doesn't need to crank up the volume to 10 out of 10.
@SoulGoodFamily
2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely agree.
@tenniswithandy
2 жыл бұрын
Me too, but I think the general audience probably appreciates the theatrics. Peoples attention spans are also quite small now, so you need to grab them quickly and I think that is what he aims for in First Take.
@tigerwilson323
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree 💯💯💯💯💯
@faithbee9803
2 жыл бұрын
Stephen A saved Skip's legacy...
This has been a free broadcasting 101. If you're an upcoming streamer, an anchor or a KZread personality this is a FREE informative 1 hour lesson. Thanks JJ
@KaiserReb
2 жыл бұрын
Free for us, he’s still getting paid from this
@AiNEntertainment101
2 жыл бұрын
#truth
@Kylekjc23
2 жыл бұрын
@@KaiserReb still free for us. That's what he's saying
@almightyzoee2655
2 жыл бұрын
@@Kylekjc23 the way life should be 💯
@brendagray3374
2 жыл бұрын
JUDAS!!!
Stephen A is actually an incredible story-teller, I wish he did it more on his platform.
@tigerwilson323
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree 💯💯💯💯
@unknownx7252
2 жыл бұрын
I've seen him do interviews before, this is the most relaxed I've seen him.
@krisnarefaagusta16
11 ай бұрын
You're right. JJ too, because they both are the pundits from ESPN.
JJ’s hitting a second prime of his career with all the media he’s running now
@Heidelbergensis
2 жыл бұрын
honestly think he'll make more doing podcasting and media than the money he made off NBA.
Hearing Stephen A cuss is like hearing your parents cuss for the first time lmao
Stephen A. was dropping real life game on communication, establishing relationship boundaries, and the power of empathy. He backs everything he believes in with his own personal moral compass. You can love him or hate him but where he stands and why is clear.
As a Knicks fan, Stephen A has expressed my frustration and made me laugh for years. How fun to hear him reflect on his career. Thank you for this interview!
@jrsmith1998
2 жыл бұрын
He is. Bozo. A clown. A gimmick. Zero substance. U like Bozos like Steven A. and Skip etc. The only real debate show out right now is Acho and Wiley.
@mizal321
2 жыл бұрын
@@jrsmith1998 Man they alright they try to articulate way to much its annoying when it seems like they try to hard
@jrsmith1998
2 жыл бұрын
@@mizal321 😂. Man i didn’t notice that or think about it until u bought it up 😂. Mostly it’s Acho who does it.
@tristanxjason
Жыл бұрын
Acho brothers are clowns. Wiley is beyond ignorant. Yeah you have no taste.
SAS is like giving a masterclass in doing sports media to JJ. IMO THIS IS THE BEST EPISODE EVER
Its amazing how an interview like this is needed for people to realize the true value of SAS over these years. A true goat of sports media. Will be missed for sure once its all over.
@ItIsYouAreNotYour
2 жыл бұрын
SAS seems like he tooks Durants story and made it his own. The parking lot call, Skip leaving before not telling him. haha
@yassinbenchekroun8368
2 жыл бұрын
Have you seen his contract??? Trust me, for a guy who just studies sports and then talks about it (scripted mind you) for just a few hours a day, and gets paid what he gets paid on top of having a majority of his expenses covered for him by his bosses…… I think his value is fine.
@xdawn
2 жыл бұрын
@@yassinbenchekroun8368 someone's jealous. espn ain't dumb to be paying him that much.
@jclemons121384
Жыл бұрын
@@ItIsYouAreNotYour You caught that too. To hear Skip say it, this did not happen. I think part of it is these guys want to be professional athletes so bad, that they put themselves in that category and they really do see themselves as part of the game(s).
@ItIsYouAreNotYour
Жыл бұрын
@@jclemons121384 That for sure and wanting to be special. That of course and drama. The most cringe thing is when SAS acts like he's tough and threatens to use his journalism "against you" What are you going to do? LIE like usual? The most hilarious part is Green says he tells the truth...walked right into the corporate media world he talks about.
I can already tell this is about be one of the best episodes 💯🗣
@Zzzzz-bg6jd
2 жыл бұрын
It is what the hell you talking about ?!! Carry on ….
@quickplanet7
2 жыл бұрын
Yup, he needs to come back for a part 2
@huuphuup3879
2 жыл бұрын
Q
Stephen A off espn is amazing ‼️ all his interviews on pods with former players shows how much of a Man he has is not just the “character” We see on TV daily
@airuzair2424
2 жыл бұрын
When did he talk about skip
You can tell JJ really respects and admires SAS
@Don-md6wn
2 жыл бұрын
I doubt it, but I'm not going to watch JJ platform this creep.
@Leonardo2003
2 жыл бұрын
@@Don-md6wn Stephen A I’ve watched closely for many years. He’s not a creep.. seems to be one of the more wholesome and genuine people in sports.
@Minecrafter123341
2 жыл бұрын
@@Don-md6wn how he is a creep ?
@Don-md6wn
2 жыл бұрын
@@Minecrafter123341 Making ridiculous predictions with certainty every day, trashing athletes anytime they lose a game, pitting one against another...just a reprehensible human being IMO.
@m_js5709
2 жыл бұрын
@@Don-md6wn that's what the average sports fan does, not what Stephen A does. The fans all made predictions & were chanting curses at a player mid game during finals gm 3. I guess the entire NBA fan base needs to be thrown out as well. Just reprehensible 😭
Looks like Draymond wasn't the only one crying for help in the parking lot
@rayyanmiage6339
2 жыл бұрын
😂😂
@Leonardo2003
2 жыл бұрын
Someone needs to say this to skip 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@ky6632
2 жыл бұрын
UNDERRATED COMMENT! LOL
@capone9287
2 жыл бұрын
😂😂
@ibrajallow1281
2 жыл бұрын
😭😭😂😂😂😂 this comment is goated bruh
This is what people really miss. We miss highlights and discussion. We don’t want constant yelling and outrageous takes. It’s beyond tiring, great interview.
A true lesson, even better than what I expected.
@dijondastardly
2 жыл бұрын
He is playing an enhanced version of himself
The first take and the old man cinematic universe we have been waiting for
I truly enjoyed EVERYTHING about this. STELLAR interview. Thanks for asking the questions you ask JJ and Tommy. Y’all always bring it with the great questions!
As an aspiring sports analyst/journalist I look up to anyone putting in the grind that Stephen A has and keeps doing on a daily basis. Love him or hate him you have to give him his, he’s earned everything he has and keeps on doing it even today. A huge inspiration to keep me going with my dreams. Great show by the way JJ.
JJ is a Legend. Thank you and your team 🙏🏽💯
I've always loved SAS and Skip and their interactions for all those years. After seeing this I have even more respect for SAS and I love seeing guys like JJ and Draymond doing their own shows and giving a perspective that is not only relevant but well articulated and thought out. Great content!
I will say again, Stephen A gives the very best interviews. No matter how long the interview is, I watch all of it. I love the way he describes the different elements of his personality. What he described is true of most of us. We act according to what the moment calls for, it doesn't mean you're being fake or acting, you're still being your authentic self.
This was one of my favorite episodes of the pod so far. Legendary work
Awesome episode - lots to learn and admire from Stephen A’s perspective and journey. Refreshing to hear him outside of his usual first take persona!
One of the best interviews thus far. Good to hear both sides players and media
Stephen A is probably the most transparent personality on TV ever. Salute
Such an awesome interview. Between this candid podcast, and his willingness to bring on JJ and others on his show, I have a newfound respect for the guy.
Stephan A has earned that ego. I guess most people closely connected to the league have. Stephen's is just more "in your face" about it.. I appreciate his transparency. Epic showman/performer with highly respectable basketball knowledge and a true love of the game. Fascinating. JJ - I'm relatively new to the NBA. I have to say your show has become one of my favorites in the last couple of years. It's become my go to. You got Stephen A to open up and be himself. Vulnerable despite himself. Wow. Bravo JJ. 👏 Don't change a thing.
I have been fascinated by steven A since his show QUITE FRANCKLY with steven a smith. I used to watch it in college in 2002 and then he just dissapeared from tv. Mind you back then there was no social media or google so i couldnt search to find out what happened to him.. It has been a blessing to watch this man GROW
It’s 7am and I’m just going to sleep, but then this shows up in my feed 😅
@idrunkdrive
2 жыл бұрын
YOUR UP AT 7AM? GO TO BED DUDE WTF???
@zaytooswift9157
2 жыл бұрын
Same 😂
@MrLizrd
2 жыл бұрын
Night shift!
More of this please even just like a quarterly thing. The candidness and relaxed approach is refreshing.
Interview was fantastic. J.J never misses with his content. Love to see the unfiltered side of any Media personnel, especially the top names in the game. Great job guys!!
I literally watch this show from start to finish something fresh and informative very nice podcast love it !!!
I think it’s refreshing just to hear them talk history stories and seeing them chill together and be friends. They should add these sort of segments in every other week or so. Good change of pace;-)
J.J. is really coming into his own space in the industry. This may be the most I've learned about Stephen A than any other interview I've seen. Aside from the theatrics and extra stuff for tv, you see the human aspect and get a sense of the things it took to get to where he is today. Great questions great interview and it felt organic. Keep it up bro! Love your show!
I REALLY HOPE this chills people out, espn is entertainment, Stephen A is playing a character basically.
@sickandloose
2 жыл бұрын
Not sure why it's taken people this long to understand this... it's entertainment which just happens to be about sport "analytics"
@_ripVanWinkle_
2 жыл бұрын
He is flightreacts, puts on a character for his fanbase but is just a chill dude
@aoiwaffle6438
2 жыл бұрын
it is the lack of chills is what is getting the views
@GoatReactz
2 жыл бұрын
For his sack I hope they never "get it". Means the ratings will continue and he will keep getting this bread..
This was great to see from JJ and SAS, enjoyable interview/conversation 🔥🔥
The one thing about SAS is that he’s all about ratings. He didn’t take Max off the show because he made him look bad with the Kaep stuff. He did it because Max often lacked passion about the takes he had. Even the Brady thing or “I want iguodala” were just funny for being egregiously wrong but he didn’t have that one shtick(like Skip’s obsession with Brady/Lebron) that created interest and made people want to tune in for him. SAS understands that JJ represents a whole segment of fans who are tired of the usual sports rhetoric and he challenges SAS in way that they’ve been wanting to for a long time. That makes them tune in and brings more relevancy to first take.
Loved SAS commentary on some players “well you don’t know cause you didn’t play” opinion. Very insightful episode. JJ rules!
Stephen A set the trends we could say what we want but the man a legend even tho this man just tried to trade Westbrook to my Knicks 😂😆
This is yet another conversation on the JJ podcast that has so many nuggets and gems thank you Guys for having this open dialogue and allowing us to enter the area with you and comment on your perspectives. I added this comment on a snippet of the interview but wanted to add it here on the full interview .
Interesting stuff SAS. This was good. Different perspective on these gents after this how could you not? I want more of this 💯
I hope JJ doesn’t think SAS is only “feeding”him next time to get him going. Need those two at each other
@MrE_
2 жыл бұрын
Lol. I mean SAS isn't wrong, JJ still a rookie in the media. He will gain experience
One of the best episodes yet!
Part 2 please? I can listen to both all day!
Was waiting on this one 🔥🔥
Loved this interview. SAS is the man for always givin it straight and not caring what anyone thinks, even friends. Side note if he ever did get in to politics, he’d have my vote in a world where everyone is either far-right or far-left, and on every topic 😂😂😂
Every success I heard Steven A on The pivot.i gained a new respect and look on how he does thing's and moves.
This is a different type of SAS I haven't seen. The stories he talked about were great. Love the storytelling & the honesty. Great episode 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Best SAS interview I've ever heard. And this is so refreshing to see a guy like JJ who's recently departed from the league and understands the league as it stands today and knows what's being said that he even has a high level of respect for what SAS brings to sports media.
I enjoyed listening to this video. It has me looking at Stephen A in a new light. Great Interview.
It’s amazing to see this side of Stephen A. This is awesome.
Man, I can listen to you guys for hours straight for days straight! I love this interview.
Dope conversation, Shout out to all involved.
Look at how Stephen A. basically immediately went into his media personality "character" at 1:02:13 its almost like he can do it immediately. His whole vibe and tone of voice changed, amazing to watch honestly. Great interview.
@AiNEntertainment101
2 жыл бұрын
...realized that too, immediately - and I was equally impressed AF. He's a true professional. 😄
@iunderstanphotography2780
2 жыл бұрын
He is a perfromer, the same way you dance and act on stage SAS turns the emotion on and off
@owenjones795
2 жыл бұрын
No? He’s in the middle of a sentence in his normal voice at that time signature
I love ❤️ the chemistry between Stephen A Smith & JJ Reddick! Great conversation 👏🏽👏🏽
This has been the best video of them all. This shows how SAS is so natural and how he's inspired so many the Drayman's, the JJ's of the world to be the best they can be. Unreal. Can't wait to have him back on!
Amazing interview. My respect for Steven A. went up 10 fold
Stephen A is a great storyteller, very humble and an open-minded person. It is nice to hear from him outside of First Take. ESPN should be happy SAS is working for them, because he is a box office.
Such an amazing interview I met SAS in Charlotte airport and it completely shocked me he was taller than I expected. Smooth AF and calm even was cool about taking a picture 💯
@GoatReactz
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah hes 6'1-6'2
This was such a great conversation, all the way through. Great questions and SAS's ability to tell a story and tell it honestly and thoughtfully was awesome.
Wow. This was profound and very insightful. Top episode
I loved him as an analyst and commentator, but didn't really know Stephen A, have even more respect for him now, he said it and I agree, he's just reasonable and fair, great episode
I've always believed that the Stephen A. Smith we get on screen is only one small side to the man. I'm glad we got an in depth look at his other sides.
being from winston, i love hearing these guys talk about Winston-Salem. Being a small city that doesn’t get a lot of talk it’s cool to hear these guys talk about it!!
really eye opening and great conversation. thanks for this.
For the ones who reads this just know this is only the beginning keep pushing, grinding, and fighting. Whatever it is in life you want to do to go after it life is to short. Life is a marathon not a sprint so go out there and live it up I hope all is well and goes well for you peace and one love!
@TekkLuthor
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this
@SlappedOut
2 жыл бұрын
i got alot on my mind and dis just hit hard
I've recently been getting into communication and making daily videos. I can say Stephen A Smith is a master at this. His voice variations that keeps you hanging on each word is phenomenal. Dave Chappelle is also on this level.
@NeonArtifact
2 жыл бұрын
The word you are describing is called voice inflection. Opposite of deadpan or monotone.
If this is what “new media” is im here for it just raw information no sugarcoating no corporate dressing just people talking to people bravo 👏🏾
this was a great listen, it’s so refreshing hearing steven a outside of the espn lights, very insightful, with a lot of great stories
@tigerwilson323
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree 💯💯💯💯
Stephen A on ESPN is like The Rock on WWF in the 90s when he was a heel.
@shawnharden4742
2 жыл бұрын
Facts ☝🏽
@jaywill911jw
2 жыл бұрын
Facts even when he’s the bad guy he’s still entertaining and you root for him against others
I appreciate his honesty in this interview
Love seeing SAS in this setting. Another great episode for one of the best basketball podcasts on the market!
Great sit-down. A highly enjoyable and enlightening conversation.
I know one of Allen Iversons personal friends and he said Stephen A Smith use to pop up everywhere they were even Fridays, I love that he even mentioned it 😂😂😂
@iunderstanphotography2780
2 жыл бұрын
Man Iverson had Fridays poppin back in the day, didn't he?
This is always how I imagined SAS was behind the First Take mask. I wanna smoke a blunt w this brother 😂
This was REALLY good!
Really great interview, pleasure to watch 👌💯
The story about him and coach was funny but really wholesome! The man put himself in the line of fire so the Mr. Smith could achieve his goals! Respect!
I just love Stephen A!! I understand why he's always angry at Kyrie, cause he works hard to make sure everyone at First Take has a good career.
Amazing Interview 🔥
This might be the best episode you uploaded JJ.
Stephen A and JJ are actually a very dynamic dual, I think we will thoroughly miss it when Stephen A retires, and JJ will be the next king of sports media, he's so ready
@MoSuli96
2 жыл бұрын
Stephen A will still be out here for the next 10+ years lol
@xdawn
2 жыл бұрын
SAS ain't going nowhere dw
Great episode. So cool to see SAS outside of First Take.
MAN LOVE THIS STEPHEN A AND YOU JJ! NEED MORE OF THIS ONLINE
This was a great interview
jesus christ stephen a is dropping gems
I really hope we can get another pod with SAS relatively soon. This felt like it could've gone for 3 hours
This interview is REALLY GOOD
Amazing interview. Great insight. TV SAS vs real-talk SAS. Good to be reminded of that.
I can’t wait to watch this whole thing 🔥
@Poliiitics
2 жыл бұрын
bout to flame up and watch
@henry96124
2 жыл бұрын
@@Poliiitics me right know
@baller34ize
2 жыл бұрын
@@henry96124 same
@RedDenim
2 жыл бұрын
@@baller34ize count me in bois
JJ -- your interviews are detailed/relaxed and an interesting take on some personalities --- never knew Stephen A was a normal human being from watching him on air.... He really turned my stomach. Same is true of your interview of Daymond Green.... excellent interviewing!! thank you for making podcasts entertaining and informative!!!
Thank you for this interview it is very inspiring !
A brilliant and insightful conversation with SAS, one of the media's best. Congratulations, JJ!
This was brilliant, JJ, Tommy and Stephen A. We need a Part Two!
Really liked this style JJ. Keep up the good work. Get Skip on next… would like to hear him explain himself the way SAS did.
10/10 interview! I could listen for 3 more hours
Such a great interview boys 🤘👏