ESPN experienced a series of high-profile layoffs this week. It impacted around 20 personalities, including notable figures like Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, and Keyshawn Johnson. Fans were taken aback when they learned about Kolber’s recent layoff, and the news of potential further layoffs has only intensified their concern, mirroring the impact it had on the “First Take” anchor.

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent figure frequently seen on ESPN since 2012, where he serves as a featured commentator and executive producer on First Take. Before ESPN, he started his career at The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1994 and hosted a morning show on Fox Sports Radio. While he faced a suspension from ESPN in the past due to an incident involving a Baltimore Ravens player, his recent comment on layoffs has surprised many due to his unique perspective.

Could be the next on the list!

During a recent episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith expressed his concern over the layoffs that affected 20 air talent, stating that they deserved better than the current times we are living in. NFL reporter Dov Kleiman tweeted Smith’s apprehension, where he acknowledged, “I could be next.” Kleiman further tweeted Smith’s statements which included, “This ain’t the end. More is coming…And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next.”

The tweet provided insight into Smith’s rationale for discussing the possibility of his layoff, underscoring the importance of not taking anything for granted as a Black individual. His statement, “I told you before, when white folks catch a cold, Black folks catch pneumonia,” highlighted the disparities he perceives. Interestingly, during his tenure with ESPN, Smith once faced a suspension in the past. And recently, such as the layoff of his colleague Max Kellerman of ‘First Take’ have instilled fear in Smith that he, too, may face a permanent layoff. This potential layoff would have significant implications, including the loss of his $12 million annual salary.

Why was he suspended previously?

In 2014, Stephen A. Smith faced a suspension from ESPN for a week due to his insensitive remarks regarding domestic violence. The suspension was a consequence of comments he made about Baltimore Ravens’ running back Ray Rice‘s two-game suspension for domestic violence. Smith suggested that women sometimes “provoke” being hit.

This incident occurred when a video emerged showing Rice punching his wife, Janay Palmer, whom he married in 2104. Smith addressed the controversy on his show and was later suspended over his controversial remarks. He later issued an apology for the way his remarks were perceived, expressing that his words came across as blaming women, although it was not his intention.

Read more: “ESPN Must Be Giving Up on Boxing”: Max Kellerman Among 20-High Profile Commentators Laid off by ESPN, Stunned Fans Jump in to Support Their Favorite On-Air Star

Stephen A. Smith’s tenure at ESPN has been a mix of achievements and controversies, yet his current apprehension about a potential permanent layoff raises significant concerns.

Watch this story: “Will be missed”: Heartbroken Super Bowl XLIII Winners Mourn Tragic Passing of Legendary 76-Year-Old Announcer