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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 13: Stephen A. Smith and Isiah Thomas attend SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” With Clyde Drexler, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins And Stephen A. Smith at SiriusXM Studio on February 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 13: Stephen A. Smith and Isiah Thomas attend SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” With Clyde Drexler, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins And Stephen A. Smith at SiriusXM Studio on February 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Stephen A. Smith isn’t someone to retreat from seeking retribution for his insult. The dynamic between ESPN and its employees has been a captivating topic in sports media for the past few decades. Months after the controversial layoff drama at ESPN, Stephen A. Smith unveiled his career plans, suggesting a possible connection to his departure in 2009.
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As per the source, the ESPN analyst mentioned that his 14-year-old stint inspired his latest decision.
Stephen A. Smith might leave ESPN for good
During a recent interview, the analyst revealed that he does not intend to remain with the company once his current 18-month contract concludes. Speaking of the reason, he said, “I want to stay, but make no mistake about it I will never get over how they let me go, NEVER!” While he hoped to stay with the company in the future, he didn’t want to repeat the history. Recently, he has also observed numerous talented individuals leave the network abruptly. He went through a similar experience in 2009. The first time, he parted ways during his initial stint wasn’t great. He hasn’t fully overcome the way his radio show concluded with the network in 2008 and had to depart in 2009 to join FOX Sports Radio.
BREAKING: Stephen A. Smith is not planning to stay at ESPN when his contract in 18 months is over, because they let him go in 2009.
“I want to stay, but make no mistake about it I will never get over how they let me go, NEVER!” via @Outkick. pic.twitter.com/fNVKN6uOmG
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 6, 2023
It was a challenging period for him as he grappled with accepting the decision.
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Stephen A. Smith was scared of ESPN’s high-profile layoff
In a recent episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the analyst shared his concern about the layoffs impacting 20 personalities. He shared that this new act was just the beginning and there could be more in the future.
He also alluded that he might be the next. NFL reporter Dov Kleiman who has similar concerns tweeted, “This ain’t the end. More is coming…And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next.” That raises the question if this is the reason for his decision to leave the company. What happens next following the end of his contract with the company remains to be seen. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.
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