STEPHEN A. Smith has left ESPN fans divided after his debut on a new show.
This comes soon after the news that Molly Qerim, his co-host on First Take, would be leaving the show.
Fan opinion was split on Stephen A. Smith his debut on Monday Night Countdown[/caption]
Smith’s appearance comes off the back of his First Take co-host, Molly Qerim, announcing her intention to leave ESPN[/caption]
Qerim took to social media last week to confirm her exit, but she will remain on the show for the remainder of the year.
ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus revealed that Qerim was always going to move on from First Take, but hoped she would remain with ESPN.
The network and the host were in discussions around her contract renewal, but she decided to move on.
In light of this announcement, Smith made his debut on another show.
The personality joined Scott Van Pelt and Jason Kelce on Monday Night Countdown ahead of the Ravens–Lions game.
The 57-year-old will make “at least three” appearances on the MNF pregame show on ESPN this season.
Smith is known for his combative personality on debate-style shows, such as First Take.
But he has had experience in a pregame show setting, as a regular on NBA Countdown.
Despite this, reviews were largely mixed around his NFL debut.
One fan said, “I won’t watch any of them.”
Another stated, “Stephen A has ruined the MNF Countdown. He’s turned this into First Take.
“I purposely don’t watch that b******* because everything is about viral clips and clickbait.
“Don’t want to listen to it on a pregame show.”
A third remarked, “Who’s asking for this?”
How to watch NFL games in 2025
THE 2025 NFL season is fast approaching and you can get some excellent deals to watch all the action.
Below you’ll find all the places to watch Patrick Mahomes and Co in what’s sure to be another sizzling campaign.
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
- ESPN: $11.99/mo – subscribe here
- Amazon Prime: $14.99/mo – subscribe here
- Peacock: $11.99/mo – subscribe here
- Paramount+: $11.99/mo – subscribe here
- Fox One: $19.99/mo – subscribe here
- Netflix: $22.99/mo – subscribe here
- NFL+ Premium: $14.99/mo – subscribe here
- Hulu + live TV: $82.99/mo – subscribe here
- Sling TV: $45.99/mo – subscribe here
- DAZN game pass: $17.99/mo – subscribe here
Another commented, “Just as useless here as he is on every other program.”
However, it wasn’t all negative.
One person wrote, “Nobody would complain if he permanently replaced Ryan Clark.”
Smith began his career in the media as a written journalist in North Carolina before covering the Philadelphia 76ers.
He moved onto TV and radio around the turn of the century and has since become a consistent fixture on ESPN.
Having played college basketball for Winston-Salem, his focus is often on the NBA, but it is not limited to it.
How to buy tickets for 2025 NFL games
The 2025 season is near and you can scoop up tickets to watch your favorite team for a great deal.
Below you’ll find all the places to watch NFL action in what should be an incredible season.
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Please note: Stubhub, Viagogo and Vivid Seats are secondary ticketing platforms. Tickets are resold on these platforms by individuals or businesses and not by the official event organizers. Tickets may be listed above or below face value, and prices may fluctuate by dynamic pricing based on demand. Additional booking fees and tax may apply to ticket purchases. Please be aware that tickets purchased through these sites may not guarantee entry to the venue or event (and may be void) if the official organizer does not permit resale of tickets, including on or through secondary ticketing platforms. Always check the event’s official ticketing terms and conditions and the applicable ticketing platform’s guarantees and complaint handling process before purchasing.
