Stephen A. Smith On Becoming The Face Of ESPN, Skip Bayless, His Relationships w/ NBA Players & More

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 KZbin channel today for more NBA player interview and NBA Finals highlights.

[@zsp1117]

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]

Fax

[@Chris-wq3pe]

You call talking about sports working hard ?

[@seymourlove4788]

Shut up homer

[@everythinggamingpros]

@@Chris-wq3pe don’t act like anyone could do this fam

[@randyevans2049]

@@Chris-wq3pe excuse me but you are watching right ?? If not why then wth you doing in the comments

[@Muneeb08]

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]

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]

I absolutely agree.

[@tenniswithandy]

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]

I totally agree 💯💯💯💯💯

[@faithbee9803]

Stephen A saved Skip's legacy...

[@lawrencer1216]

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]

1000 percent

[@Matfridt]

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]

Yup he's a smart dude, he's playing a character and he does it well

[@blantant]

Say what you will about the man. His work ethic should never be questioned and the ratings seem to speak for themselves. Respect.

[@Juganator]

He created the entire blueprint. It’s always been a work. How many shows are a spin off of Stephen A’s idea? Pioneer.

[@Neichus]

This has been a free broadcasting 101. If you're an upcoming streamer, an anchor or a KZbin personality this is a FREE informative 1 hour lesson. Thanks JJ

[@KaiserReb]

Free for us, he’s still getting paid from this

[@AiNEntertainment101]

#truth

[@Kylekjc23]

@@KaiserReb still free for us. That's what he's saying

[@almightyzoee2655]

@@Kylekjc23 the way life should be 💯

[@brendagray3374]

JUDAS!!!

[@Carlitosway123]

This man didn’t shy away from any of the questions.. much respect. Great questions presented!

[@MrE_]

For real. What a great sport

[@davidk6504]

Much more respect for SAS

[@Santiago_RS]

I also like the way he answered, it was entertaining and interesting. Stephen A is a great guy

[@stebypeters8188]

He definitely told JJ to not bring up Max tho

[@saltywings41]

Stephen A is actually an incredible story-teller, I wish he did it more on his platform.

[@tigerwilson323]

I totally agree 💯💯💯💯

[@unknownx7252]

I've seen him do interviews before, this is the most relaxed I've seen him.

[@krisnarefaagusta16]

You're right. JJ too, because they both are the pundits from ESPN.

[@anniekibrick563]

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]

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]

@@jrsmith1998 Man they alright they try to articulate way to much its annoying when it seems like they try to hard

[@jrsmith1998]

@@mizal321 😂. Man i didn’t notice that or think about it until u bought it up 😂. Mostly it’s Acho who does it.

[@tristanxjason]

Acho brothers are clowns. Wiley is beyond ignorant. Yeah you have no taste.

[@slibbs2869]

JJ’s hitting a second prime of his career with all the media he’s running now

[@Heidelbergensis]

honestly think he'll make more doing podcasting and media than the money he made off NBA.

[@later5117]

Hearing Stephen A cuss is like hearing your parents cuss for the first time lmao

[@QuanDoesFitness]

I can already tell this is about be one of the best episodes 💯🗣

[@Zzzzz-bg6jd]

It is what the hell you talking about ?!! Carry on ….

[@quickplanet7]

Yup, he needs to come back for a part 2

[@huuphuup3879]

Q

[@TheVlademort]

SAS is like giving a masterclass in doing sports media to JJ. IMO THIS IS THE BEST EPISODE EVER

[@pedroferreira-ib6gh]

Looks like Draymond wasn't the only one crying for help in the parking lot

[@rayyanmiage6339]

😂😂

[@Leonardo2003]

Someone needs to say this to skip 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ky6632]

UNDERRATED COMMENT! LOL

[@capone9287]

😂😂

[@ibrajallow1281]

😭😭😂😂😂😂 this comment is goated bruh

[@marvinsatchell6147]

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.

[@trap9o233]

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]

SAS seems like he tooks Durants story and made it his own. The parking lot call, Skip leaving before not telling him. haha

[@yassinbenchekroun8368]

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]

@@yassinbenchekroun8368 someone's jealous. espn ain't dumb to be paying him that much.

[@jclemons121384]

@@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]

@@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.

[@SRT8KASH]

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]

When did he talk about skip

[@Scotto6977]

You can tell JJ really respects and admires SAS

[@Don-md6wn]

I doubt it, but I'm not going to watch JJ platform this creep.

[@Leonardo2003]

@@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]

@@Don-md6wn how he is a creep ?

[@Don-md6wn]

@@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]

@@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 😭

[@mohamedaanbdourahim4029]

A true lesson, even better than what I expected.

[@dijondastardly]

He is playing an enhanced version of himself

[@Vancityoliver]

The first take and the old man cinematic universe we have been waiting for

[@DFW817]

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.

[@markandjuby]

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!

[@andrewromero9951]

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.

[@jhanlec]

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!

[@angelcoolin3693]

JJ is a Legend. Thank you and your team 🙏🏽💯

[@robdoms45123]

I hope JJ doesn’t think SAS is only “feeding”him next time to get him going. Need those two at each other

[@MrE_]

Lol. I mean SAS isn't wrong, JJ still a rookie in the media. He will gain experience

[@nikhildevarakonda9295]

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.

[@wv8071]

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.

[@Droopyballer]

This was one of my favorite episodes of the pod so far. Legendary work

[@snarelava]

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!

[@consauce4479]

It’s 7am and I’m just going to sleep, but then this shows up in my feed 😅

[@idrunkdrive]

YOUR UP AT 7AM? GO TO BED DUDE WTF???

[@zaytooswift9157]

Same 😂

[@MrLizrd]

Night shift!

[@Panazoniac]

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.

[@halo3isawsome321]

I REALLY HOPE this chills people out, espn is entertainment, Stephen A is playing a character basically.

[@sickandloose]

Not sure why it's taken people this long to understand this... it's entertainment which just happens to be about sport "analytics"

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

He is flightreacts, puts on a character for his fanbase but is just a chill dude

[@aoiwaffle6438]

it is the lack of chills is what is getting the views

[@GoatReactz]

For his sack I hope they never "get it". Means the ratings will continue and he will keep getting this bread..

[@dub88acc]

One of the best interviews thus far. Good to hear both sides players and media

[@himynameiscorey]

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.

[@kareemdavis8938]

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 😂😆

[@abrahamalvarez23]

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;-)

[@jourdansarpy4935]

Stephen A on ESPN is like The Rock on WWF in the 90s when he was a heel.

[@shawnharden4742]

Facts ☝🏽

[@jaywill911jw]

Facts even when he’s the bad guy he’s still entertaining and you root for him against others

[@isiahreyes1474]

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!!

[@kavimatthews5518]

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!

[@ragnerhavertz1666]

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

[@rcvillapando]

More of this please even just like a quarterly thing. The candidness and relaxed approach is refreshing.

[@frankel7715]

Stephen A is probably the most transparent personality on TV ever. Salute

[@dallasalbrett7178]

Loved SAS commentary on some players “well you don’t know cause you didn’t play” opinion. Very insightful episode. JJ rules!

[@winettemotorsports96]

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 .

[@hardbap]

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.

[@moonlightshadowscros]

I literally watch this show from start to finish something fresh and informative very nice podcast love it !!!

[@maxiom17]

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.

[@Itsbmtre]

This was great to see from JJ and SAS, enjoyable interview/conversation 🔥🔥

[@malikAW15]

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]

The word you are describing is called voice inflection. Opposite of deadpan or monotone.

[@zSoulXxTaK3rXx]

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]

...realized that too, immediately - and I was equally impressed AF. He's a true professional. 😄

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

He is a perfromer, the same way you dance and act on stage SAS turns the emotion on and off

[@owenjones795]

No? He’s in the middle of a sentence in his normal voice at that time signature

[@Cameron_Smiley]

Amazing interview. My respect for Steven A. went up 10 fold

[@ArchieRaven]

Interesting stuff SAS. This was good. Different perspective on these gents after this how could you not? I want more of this 💯

[@MooNwALKER....]

7:00 The part we came here for after Skip fires back lol

[@TimmyD5548]

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 😂😂😂

[@TheHolyYogi]

I love ❤️ the chemistry between Stephen A Smith & JJ Reddick! Great conversation 👏🏽👏🏽

[@kelvinsekwati4016]

Every success I heard Steven A on The pivot.i gained a new respect and look on how he does thing's and moves.

[@LandoSuccess]

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]

Yeah hes 6'1-6'2

[@alexwadhwa4613]

This is always how I imagined SAS was behind the First Take mask. I wanna smoke a blunt w this brother 😂

[@dailynnsp.o.v]

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]

Thank you for posting this

[@SlappedOut]

i got alot on my mind and dis just hit hard

[@beazer285]

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 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@malikmuhammad308]

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.

[@phillytreez]

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]

Man Iverson had Fridays poppin back in the day, didn't he?

[@StufffTV]

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

[@mzr7649]

Was waiting on this one 🔥🔥

[@eddielee4428]

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!

[@tashingamuchena6387]

One of the best episodes yet!

[@jkh5]

It’s amazing to see this side of Stephen A. This is awesome.

[@adrianabella1906]

Part 2 please? I can listen to both all day!

[@macleinelacerda9]

Man, I can listen to you guys for hours straight for days straight! I love this interview.

[@Orrand_One]

I enjoyed listening to this video. It has me looking at Stephen A in a new light. Great Interview.

[@dawdle525]

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]

Stephen A will still be out here for the next 10+ years lol

[@xdawn]

SAS ain't going nowhere dw

[@ryanfox8849]

Love seeing SAS in this setting. Another great episode for one of the best basketball podcasts on the market!

[@nickadams370]

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.

[@dorbendavid6395]

Where is the intro lol, editor f'd up

[@everythinggamingpros]

I guarantee we’d all love and appreciate Skip more if he did something like this.

[@felix3033]

He has his own personal podcast but agree he should go on someone else podcast

[@everythinggamingpros]

@@felix3033 I didn’t know that! Might have to check it out

[@xxshotzxx9524]

Skip has his own podcast and have watched some clips and very different from the skip we see on national tv

[@EternalMo]

His podcast is amazing, defo made me look at him in a different light

[@matthieusaade3616]

@@xxshotzxx9524 he's even more obnoxious and the light made him look like f*ckin Palpatine from Starwars

[@andrewhicks2074]

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!!

[@pathfinderjan]

My impression of SAS will never be the same again after watching this. Such an amazing dude who worked his way to where he is right now. Thanks again JJ for this FREE content.

[@in2minutesorless64]

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.

[@mansgoincrazy5845]

JJ’s face when Stephen A said he hit 17 threes in a row 😂🤣🤣

[@goolgool1576]

Got a time stamp?

[@TheKnighted1]

19:00 for the reaction

[@vincentchauvet6654]

look tbh its not impossible, ive seen plenty of guys who didnt even go pro have crazy shooting nights

[@FSVR54]

@@vincentchauvet6654 yup

[@jahnpilz6163]

They don’t show his face/facial reaction on this unless you got some VIP alternate version lol

[@jbstuff4472]

This was REALLY good!

[@Nico_lente]

Wow. This was profound and very insightful. Top episode

[@jamesonedwardsii4943]

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!

[@walrus-king]

I really hope we can get another pod with SAS relatively soon. This felt like it could've gone for 3 hours

[@reggiemoore21]

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 👏🏾

[@Lord_OTD]

Great sit-down. A highly enjoyable and enlightening conversation.

[@vintagemonte]

jesus christ stephen a is dropping gems

[@Justinsox39]

I appreciate his honesty in this interview

[@hezekiyahhuckaby1938]

Dope conversation, Shout out to all involved.

[@PhoenixP_]

This might be the best episode you uploaded JJ.

[@tizviz3921]

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!!!

[@mr.j5526]

21:03, 21:23 will be a meme I just feel it

[@Ghostcharm]

fastest hour and fifteen of my life. SAS is a showman first and foremost but you can tell he really is a good man and loves what he does. best ball podcast out there, JJ and tommy keep it up

[@chohyun4357]

really eye opening and great conversation. thanks for this.

[@shyambalvant7050]

Lmao “most people can’t be successful like Shaq mumbling on TV” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@codyhiern8210]

Great episode. So cool to see SAS outside of First Take.

[@victoryforhip-hop]

I definitely appreciate this impressive interview with Stephen A Smith because it allows people to see that he is a real genuine Man. My cousin who works at ESPN told Me that Stephen A is soft spoken & very humble off the camera…the complete opposite of his sensationalized debating style on First Take. Respect💯🎯

[@pinzytoto7698]

Really great interview, pleasure to watch 👌💯

[@wc4201]

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.

[@ocsjc13]

Only because skip left People need to remember skip was the big name back then and gave sas his shot

[@taahasiddiqui1071]

i like how the part where the chair switched is the most replayed part of the video, because people went back to see when the chair switch was

[@dannya1209]

Amazing interview. Great insight. TV SAS vs real-talk SAS. Good to be reminded of that.