Update March 9: Stephen A. Smith says there's no beef between him and fellow ESPN talker Pat McAfee.
“There is no dispute. Pat McAfee is a teammate of mine. Pat McAfee and I work together at ESPN. said Smith. “There is no expulsion from First Take or any other performance. He is more than welcome to come First Take in the future and I will be more than welcome to come on his show
“I don't know how many times I have to say this, but I'm going to try it one more time, not just based on a statement or a suggestion that I put out through ESPN. But I will look at the cameras and tell you this, nationally and globally: I support my teammates. I support my colleagues. I'm not rooting against anyone. The people out there who do this are idiots. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
ESPN talking Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith He was recently involved in an explosive phone call over creative differences that escalated to the point where the former Indianapolis Colts player called the latter “mother*,” according to a New York Post exclusive.
The argument stemmed from a project Smith will do at ESPN in the future and is an executive producer of the segment through his own production company, the Post reported. After the fight, Smith banned McAfee from appearing on his show, First Take in the future, according to the report.
McAfee previously appeared every Tuesday during the football season to commentate, but said he was unaware of the ban, according to the Post. Smith stated that there never was one in the first place, according to history.
Both sides said their beef had been resolved, the Post reported.
Both McAfee and Smith were successful in their respective appearances for ESPN, bringing in record 496,000 viewers for First Take last year and 298 million views on all platforms for The Pat McAfee Show since it is produced through ESPN.
“We are No.1 and it has absolutely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was asked to come on every Tuesday through the Super Bowl and he did just that, kicking ass every time he went on the air,” Smith said in an email to the Post. “If McAfee wants to be open First Take next season, it will be First Take. I love winners and McAfee has proven that he wins — which helps me win. I don't know how many times I have to tell people that he has paved a path into a new era for so many of us. I am grateful to have him as part of my team and the ESPN family. And I look forward to having him for years to come. I sincerely hope I don't have to repeat myself in this nonsense!”
