Stephen A. Smith is one of the most prolific NBA insiders. Many question his credentials, but there is no doubt that he holds much sway among executives, coaches, and players. He has been an outstanding performer as a host and analyst. Because of that, ESPN has been able to maintain its ratings.

The veteran analyst has somehow kept the heartbeat alive for a drowning channel. As it crumbles around him, there can be plenty of dissatisfaction. However, the veteran analyst has been holding on to the network with all his might and the network is holding him for dear life. But as he discusses the issues related to the company, he reminds them of his actual worth.

Stephen A. Smith tells ESPN that he deserves his current salary

Associated with the network since the mid-2000s, Smith has been a prominent voice on the network. Therefore, he commands a lot of respect. When the Disney-owned network laid off Jalen Rose, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Van Gundy, the analyst’s status didn’t change. He goes into why that is the case. 

Appearing on the Joe Budden Podcast, he relayed his thoughts about his relationship with the network. The analyst has brought in around $40 million while working with the company. He insisted that the salary he earns is not something given just like that, but something he has earned.  He weighed in, ”It’s not about flexing but it is about letting somebody know, you know this sh** was earned, right because they ain’t giving me anything. As a result of that, you wanna make sure that it is understood.”

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He continued, ”You wanna project it to the audience out there. Don’t look at anybody else. Come right to me. It’s me. I don’t care who it is. This is my sh**. It is my sh** until they say otherwise, cause it’s really theirs. But, they left it up to me and they asked me to take over the platform. And I take that very seriously”.

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These comments come in the wake of ESPN doing away with some of its most magnificent talent.

Cost-cutting took many jobs

The decision to fire Rose, Van Gundy, and Jackson came because ESPN’s linear network was losing a lot of money. To cut costs, Disney CEO Robert Iger fired a ton of talented analysts and networks, not limited to the NBA. These measures have put the very future of the company in doubt. There are murmurs that Disney may do away with the cable line if things continue this way.

That’s why Stephen A. Smith aggressively recruited Shannon Sharpe after he left Undisputed. After getting him in the fold, the ratings have improved. 

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However, will it be enough to save the downfall of ESPN?