Stephen A. Smith Reacts to Latest Round of ESPN Layoffs

One of sports media’s most boisterous personalities offered a somber reaction to ESPN colleagues who “deserved better.”

Stephen A. Smith tackled the difficult topic of the recent layoffs at ESPN while hosting his Stephen A. Smith Show on Monday.

While the sports media world reels from the news that ESPN has parted ways with approximately 20 on-air talents, the network is getting a measure of criticism from one of its own.

“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” said Smith.

The outspoken on-air personality summarized the release of his colleagues in perfect fashion: “They deserved better than the times we’re living in.”

While calling NBA analyst Jalen Rose a “brilliant basketball mind,” he also raved about the talents of former NBA head coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy.

“Jeff was an outstanding, brilliant basketball analyst for ESPN for years. I could say I’m gonna miss him, but I just can’t imagine he’s gonna be out of work for long. I’m sure I’ll see him on-air doing his thing. He’s been a Hall of Fame analyst and commentator,” Smith said.

I will miss the colleagues of mine who were let go this week dearly pic.twitter.com/lNbuDjRG8s

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 4, 2023

Despite not naming all the people let go by the network, he alluded to the departure of former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

“My brother, Keyshawn Johnson. We’ve been friends for over 20 years. I’m sad to see him go. What he’s done for my life, just being a big brother and a friend to me, I love him to death,” Smith said.

College Gameday and ESPN’s coverage of the NFL draft will look much different following the firings of David Pollack and Todd McShay, and Smith highlighted their talents as well.

“David Pollack is an outstanding college football analyst. … love him. Todd McShay—an NFL draft analyst extraordinaire.”