Stephen A. Smith
An icon of the sports industry, Stephen A. Smith shares powerful and humorous lessons on overcoming adversity, building and leading strong teams, and ethics on the field and off.
Known and respected for his candid commentary, thought-provoking analysis, and memorable catchphrases, Stephen A. Smith is an authority in sports journalism. Pulling no punches, Smith commentates not only on sports and athletes, but also on politics and current events, with his trademark candor and humor.
After getting his start in journalism working for the New York Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith transitioned to TV and landed at ESPN in 2003. He is a host on ESPN’s First Take, as well as on his own show, SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith, and he co-hosts the podcast Know Mercy. Smith’s memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, was a New York Times bestseller.
A proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Smith is in development for a documentary series, Black Excellence, examining the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
From high school sportswriter to nationally recognized ESPN analyst to preeminent voice in the Black community, Smith credits tenacity and staying true to himself as he continuously converts challenges into opportunities. Inspiring and engaging, Smith shares his personal journey to becoming a giant of sports media, offering firsthand insight into overcoming adversity and leveraging individual personal strengths to pursue one’s dreams.
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