After years of hard work, Stephen A. Smith has secured his position as an NBA analyst. Therefore, he would not settle for anything less than what he deserved. After weeks of discussion in the ESPN office, they ultimately came to terms with the veteran’s contract. However, the sum they reportedly agreed upon is no less than an NBA player’s contract, as per the NBA community.
From getting around $12 million annually, Stephen A. Smith will be receiving somewhere between $20 million and $25 million. According to NBA Insider Michael McCarthy, the contract will last for five years and could reach up to $125 million. With his new contract, the 56-year-old would surpass some of the highest-paid ESPN personalities like Troy Aikman ($90 million), McAfee ($85 million) and Joe Buck ($75 million).
Stephen A. Smith’s news soon spread among NBA fans on social media who were surprised to see the veteran bagging such a contract.
“$125 million to lie about his sources everyday im sick”, wrote a fan on NBA Central’s post.
Another sarcastically compared Stephen A. Smith’s contract with Mavericks’ Klay Thompson and commented, “Wow! That’s more than what the Warriors were willing to pay Klay”.
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“Why he getting reported on like he a top free agent”, asked one fan.
“Bro getting paid more than some starters”, added another.
While an astonished fan, taking a dig at Stephen A. Smith, stated, “Mind blowing. All this clown does is give bad/extreme takes”
Someone commented, “He getting that max contract. He getting paid like a Superstar”.
Stephen A. Smith Involved in Controversy Amid Contract Talks
Amid the massive payday for Stephen A. Smith, controversies have crept to the surface. According to an anonymous staff member of Stephen A.’s “First Take”, the current situation is deemed “very frustrating”.
“Shannon (Sharpe) had his extension deal, and it’s good for him, but you can really see that both of them care about their deals more than about their coworkers and colleagues. … I used to enjoy going to work, but right now, I wake up in the morning not wanting to go in,” the show’s staff told Steve Brenner.
With all the speculation going on, Stephen A. Smith was also absent from the show, with Chris Russo filling in for SAS.
But now with the news of his improved contract, we might see Stephen A. Smith make a return to the First Take’s sets soon.
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