Replace March 9: Stephen A. Smith says there’s no beef between him and fellow ESPN speaking head Pat McAfee.
“There isn’t a dispute by any means. Pat McAfee is my teammate. Pat McAfee and I work collectively on ESPN,” Smith mentioned. “There isn’t a banishment from First Take or another present. He’s greater than welcome to return on First Take sooner or later and I’m gonna be greater than welcome to return on his present
“I don’t know what number of instances I’m gonna need to say this however I’m gonna do this yet another time, not simply counting on a press release or a quote that I issued by way of ESPN. However I’m going to look into the cameras and say this to you, nationally and globally: I root for my teammates. I root for my colleagues. I don’t root in opposition to anyone. The individuals on the market who do which might be idiots. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
ESPN speaking heads Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith not too long ago engaged in an explosive cellphone name over artistic variations that escalated to the purpose the place the previous Indianapolis Colts punter known as the latter a “motherf*cker,” based on a New York Submit unique.
The argument got here from a venture that Smith might be doing on ESPN sooner or later and is government producing the section by way of his personal manufacturing firm, the Submit reported. After the spat, Smith banned McAfee from showing on his present, First Take sooner or later, based on the report.
McAfee beforehand would seem each Tuesday throughout soccer season to offer commentary however mentioned he was not conscious of a ban, based on the Submit. Smith said there by no means was one within the first place, per the story.
Each side indicated that their beef had been resolved, the Submit reported.
Each McAfee and Smith have been profitable of their respective exhibits for ESPN, bringing in a record-high 496,000 viewers for First Take final yr and 298 million views throughout all platforms for The Pat McAfee Present since being produced by way of ESPN.
“We’re No.1 and he has completely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was requested to return on every Tuesday by way of the Tremendous Bowl and he did simply that, kicking ass every time he got here on the air,” Smith mentioned in an electronic mail to the Submit. “If McAfee needs to be on First Take subsequent season, he might be on First Take. I like winners and McAfee has confirmed he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know what number of instances I’ve to inform of us that he’s trail-blazed a path into a brand new period for therefore many people. I’m grateful to have him as part of my crew and the ESPN Household. And I’m wanting ahead to having him on for years to return. I sincerely hope that I cannot need to repeat myself on this nonsense once more!”