Stephen A. Smith was offered $18 Million by ESPN but the analyst allegedly declined.
Shaquille O’Neal took credit for Stephen A. Smith’s career.
While talking about the top analysts in the NBA, Stephen A. Smith‘s name will certainly come up in the conversation. For the past 21 years, Smith has garnered the attention of NBA fans with his interesting, and mostly controversial takes about the league and the players. However, as the analyst’s contract is ending in 2025, Shaquille O’Neal reminded Smith of the star of his career.
ESPN offered Stephen A. Smith a five-year $90 Million deal but the analyst wants more. During the recent episode of Shaquille O’Neal‘s The Big Podcast, host Adam Lefkoe brought up the topic. As Smith wants $25 Million per year, Lefkoe pointed out that the money is more than JJ Redick‘s for the Lakers. That’s when Shaq jumped on the topic, taking credit for Smith’s success.
I remember when he signed for 10 Million and he's doing a great job and I wish him well. And I hope he can make all the money he can make. But, he needs to thank me.Shaquille O’Neal said
After asking about his statement, Shaq cheekily added, ‘I made him who he is’. O’Neal believes that Smith was not making money at the beginning until he was involved with Shaq. According to the Hall of Famer, the exchange between the two after Smith took jibes at Shaq was the reason for the kickstart of the analyst’s career.
Smith is famous for his controversial takes about players. The analyst has also not left O’Neal as he has criticized him when the star was still active in the league. But over the years their relationship has changed as the duo are now friends. O’Neal’s statement about starting Smith’s career is also one such friendly jibe.
Stephen A. Smith does not want the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew to split up
With Smith’s struggles with ESPN’s contract, O’Neal is also having issues with his network. As TNT is parting ways with the broadcasting rights of the NBA, Inside the NBA is likely to end after the next season. Which would result in the split of O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. The news has been a tough one for many including Stephen A.
The show is certainly a fan-favorite considering the incredible chemistry between the hosts. Hence, Smith reflected upon the importance of keeping the quartet together. During an episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the host called out the network for breaking up Inside crew.
I don’t give a damn what network you are. If you have an opportunity to have Charles Barkley Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith together, you do not break that up. I don’t give a s**t what anybody says, you keep that together, you don’t mess with it at all. Ever.Stephen A. Smith said
Further Smith also expressed ‘hope’ about the team sticking together. The analyst explained that ‘it wouldn’t be same’ to not see the crew together. Smith was right, to say the least as NBA fans are devastated by the news. The show has been a huge part of the daily games considering their wise analysis and amazing humor.
News
Kerry Washington Leads All-Star Cast in First Teaser for Tyler Perry’s WWII Drama, ‘The Six Triple Eight’
Netflix has officially announced the release schedule for Tyler Perry’s highly anticipated WWII drama, The Six Triple Eight, starring Emmy winner Kerry Washington. The film will premiere in select theaters on December 6, followed by a global release on the…
Jasson Dominguez’s lightning-quick triple reminds us how much he could impact Yankees
Milwaukee Brewers v New York Yankees / Rich Schultz/GettyImages Here’s your friendly mid-week reminder that New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez isn’t your typical power-only physical freak. Like the hulking Spencer Jones, he also has a sprinting side. Yes, we…
Social Media Detectives Are Just Now Uncovering A Clue That Juju Smith-Schuster Was Trying To Tell Everyone He Was Joining The Kansas City Chiefs 3 Weeks Ago While Still With The Patriots
JuJu-Smith Schuster (Photo via New England Patriots/YouTube) Observant social media detectives uncovered compelling evidence indicating that JuJu Smith-Schuster knew well in advance that he was Kansas City-bound. While he was still with the New England Patriots, no less. The Patriots released JuJu Smith-Schuster on Aug….
Everyone Noticed Something Strange About Photo Of Saints QB Derek Carr Signing Autographs For Fans
Derek Carr (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) NFL fans noticed something interesting about Derek Carr and New Orleans Saints fans while he was signing autographs for them. Derek Carr is entering the second season of a lucrative four-year, $150 million contract he signed with New Orleans…
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Offers Firm Statement On His Political Beliefs After Wife Brittany Publicly Endorsed Donald Trump
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes and Donald Trump (Photos via Getty Images) Folks expecting a political endorsement by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes better not get their hopes up. Patrick Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, made headlines last week when fans noticed she “liked”…
VIDEO: Connor Stalions Exposes Former Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh For A Gift He Gave Him For His Sign-Stealing Performance After A Big Game
Connor Stalions and Jim Harbaugh (Photos via UnnecRoughness/Instagram) Connor Stalions was the focal point of a Netflix documentary, “Untold: Sign Stealer,” which was released on Netflix. It appears Connor Stalions had a big hand in the Michigan Wolverines’ 2022 win…
End of content
No more pages to load