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.

[@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...

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@TheVlademort]

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

[@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.

[@Lalaphive]

I feel like SAS and JJ are the new one-two punch in Sports Media. They can get loud and proud, but you can tell its primarily genuine and they are enjoying themselves. BTW SAS has the best stories.

[@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

[@xdawn]

Damn, i didn't know SAS was this chill. I always knew him as one of two people on espn that keep screaming. Respect ⬆️

[@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

[@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!

[@angelcoolin3693]

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

[@sennsir]

Stephen a REAL ONE ☝️

[@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!

[@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

[@MooNwALKER....]

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

[@GoatReactz]

A few years ago I swear I seen SAS for a year straight daily w no breaks or time off. Hes on call and on every show.

[@later5117]

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

[@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!

[@sevwarfare]

Stephen is big time. Never stop flexing big bro. Keep creating opportunities for others. That's real work.

[@Droopyballer]

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

[@dub88acc]

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

[@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

[@DJSteezy]

This is a great man.

[@jbstuff4472]

This was REALLY good!

[@tashingamuchena6387]

One of the best episodes yet!

[@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.

[@BLKSHPJ.C]

SAS is a true example of DOING the work. More importantly than working hard he works extremely smart.

[@blake3one6]

Not a single Question about Max Kellerman!? he must've told them not to ask!

[@moonlightshadowscros]

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

[@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.

[@karkarey]

loved this

[@mescalito2324]

we all needed this

[@rcvillapando]

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

[@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.

[@bihjjj]

Lol this man is literally like the "big news morgan" of sports😂😂 iykyk

[@wjm398]

This was a great interview

[@dallasalbrett7178]

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

[@Vancityoliver]

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

[@Clayton.Wingfield]

Love this stuff

[@emekaevans811]

This interview is REALLY GOOD

[@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!

[@frankel7715]

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

[@SayARyder]

its so weird hearing him talk at such a normal speaking voice.. I like it

[@pkeys11]

"I came to Atlanta looking for him (Iverson)" Yeah o.k. 👌🏾

[@Cameron_Smiley]

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

[@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!!

[@jamesjones18042]

Great interview!!!

[@freddieaiken7997]

I really enjoyed this

[@Justinsox39]

I appreciate his honesty in this interview

[@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.

[@bhermes3771]

Damn, hated you at Duke, but love you as a journalist. Stephen A. The A.l story was moving, thanks for that.

[@adrianabella1906]

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

[@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;-)

[@TheHolyYogi]

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

[@hezekiyahhuckaby1938]

Dope conversation, Shout out to all involved.

[@lifeprinciples]

This was dope! Respect to SAS and JJ and the other dude...

[@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.

[@Orrand_One]

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

[@jeyjey34]

Great interview!

[@mr.j5526]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rx_jaydot7532]

Shout outs to you Stephen A its great seeing you this state

[@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.

[@jkh5]

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

[@Nico_lente]

Wow. This was profound and very insightful. Top episode

[@justinmilch2970]

This was incredible

[@alexwadhwa4613]

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

[@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

[@abutical]

Well, this was great

[@samouriglasgow9930]

Love you both JJ, but I need some time stamps 😭😭

[@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!

[@ericyoung7930]

Easily the best SHOW!!

[@Itsbmtre]

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

[@macleinelacerda9]

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

[@MJ325]

this banging

[@Jayparadise0]

I will definitely be watching this later on today while I’m at work 😭💪🏾

[@blank8376]

How about working while at work?

[@Jayparadise0]

@@blank8376 It’s called “break” dumbass

[@dirtydan3016]

@@blank8376 how about minding your own damn business tf wrong with you

[@jblaze600]

Great interview.

[@JonJontheBarber]

Great interview

[@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!

[@codyhiern8210]

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

[@JamboNo5_]

This was absolutely fantastic

[@dannya1209]

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

[@donnie876]

My man Skip exposed Stephen A over all his lies.

[@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.

[@richiehesdra9774]

Awesome video

[@480ctownaz]

Great interview JJ with Steven A Smith.

[@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.

[@vintagemonte]

jesus christ stephen a is dropping gems

[@ArchieRaven]

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

[@mookiegcomedy]

The Shaq comment made me laugh. That’s how that man talks. 😂🤣🤣

[@michaelwhiting5141]

This was brilliant, JJ, Tommy and Stephen A. We need a Part Two!