Most of it was waving the ESPN flag and calling them out about where where were they the 4-5 other times there were layoffs while they still worked there
00:00:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his frustration with certain articles and commentaries about ESPN's First Take. He mentions an article titled "Skip and Stephen A. embraced debate played the hits and changed TV" which initially sounds flattering but turns out to be a puff piece endorsing Skip Bayless. Stephen A. acknowledges Skip's contribution to the show but criticizes the article for focusing on past employees rather than the current state of First Take. He also mentions that an executive VP at ESPN has not shown much interest in the show, highlighting the changes it has undergone over the years. Stephen A. emphasizes his ownership of First Take and asserts that it is his and Molly Kim's show.
00:05:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses the criticism and speculation about ESPN and First Take. He emphasizes his commitment to the network and the show, stating that he and First Take aren't going anywhere. Smith expresses his determination to maintain their number one position and take on competitors. He also dismisses the nostalgia for what ESPN used to be, defending the network's current state and addressing the layoffs that occurred. Smith pushes back against those who criticize ESPN, particularly former employees, reminding them that they benefited from their time there. He also mentions his disappointment in Dan Le Batard's questioning on his show, but clarifies that it doesn't affect his friendship with him.
00:10:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses criticism towards ESPN and defends its position in the industry. He argues that while the number of subscribers may have decreased due to the rise of social media and digital platforms, ESPN is still dominant in the sports landscape. Smith emphasizes ESPN's success in the digital realm, highlighting its large number of unique visitors and its ranking as the number one sports category in terms of digital viewership. He criticizes those who overlook these facts and continue to portray ESPN negatively. Smith concludes by reminding viewers that he himself is part of ESPN and is tired of hearing unfounded criticisms about the network's decline.
00:15:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith discusses the significant layoffs that ESPN has implemented over the years. He highlights the numbers, noting that since May 2013, a total of 1,250 employees have been laid off. Stephen A. points out that these layoffs are not surprising considering the financial obligations of a company like Disney, who owns ESPN, and the need to meet budgets and generate revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of individuals being seen as assets rather than liabilities, as success is measured by revenue generation. Stephen A. acknowledges that he, too, could be at risk of being laid off if his ratings drop or if he fails to generate revenue through his platforms. He then addresses the criticism that ESPN only wants Black faces but not Black voices, refuting this claim by mentioning several Black voices within ESPN's programming. Stephen A. expresses his lack of knowledge about the specific instances that were cited as evidence and highlights the diversity of voices within ESPN.
00:20:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his love and admiration for his former colleague Jemele Hill and emphasizes that he would never assume ESPN wants black faces but not black voices. He also defends Dan Le Batard and takes offense at the implication that he is not being authentic. Smith then addresses an article about First Take and asserts that he is motivated to succeed on the show. He expresses his confidence in the First Take team and declares that he is not worried about competition because they have been number one for many years. Smith concludes by stating that he believes ESPN as a whole is successful and that he has always believed in their ability to win, even after being fired.
00:25:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his confidence and determination as he talks about his role as the face of ESPN. He mentions the arrival of Pat McAfee and hints at his upcoming feature on the ESPYs. Stephen A. Smith concludes his statement by asserting that they are just getting started and won't be overshadowed by anyone, displaying his competitive spirit and challenging anyone who doubts them.
00:00:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his frustration with certain articles and commentaries about ESPN's First Take. He mentions an article titled "Skip and Stephen A. embraced debate played the hits and changed TV" which initially sounds flattering but turns out to be a puff piece endorsing Skip Bayless. Stephen A. acknowledges Skip's contribution to the show but criticizes the article for focusing on past employees rather than the current state of First Take. He also mentions that an executive VP at ESPN has not shown much interest in the show, highlighting the changes it has undergone over the years. Stephen A. emphasizes his ownership of First Take and asserts that it is his and Molly Kim's show.
00:05:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses the criticism and speculation about ESPN and First Take. He emphasizes his commitment to the network and the show, stating that he and First Take aren't going anywhere. Smith expresses his determination to maintain their number one position and take on competitors. He also dismisses the nostalgia for what ESPN used to be, defending the network's current state and addressing the layoffs that occurred. Smith pushes back against those who criticize ESPN, particularly former employees, reminding them that they benefited from their time there. He also mentions his disappointment in Dan Le Batard's questioning on his show, but clarifies that it doesn't affect his friendship with him.
00:10:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses criticism towards ESPN and defends its position in the industry. He argues that while the number of subscribers may have decreased due to the rise of social media and digital platforms, ESPN is still dominant in the sports landscape. Smith emphasizes ESPN's success in the digital realm, highlighting its large number of unique visitors and its ranking as the number one sports category in terms of digital viewership. He criticizes those who overlook these facts and continue to portray ESPN negatively. Smith concludes by reminding viewers that he himself is part of ESPN and is tired of hearing unfounded criticisms about the network's decline.
00:15:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith discusses the significant layoffs that ESPN has implemented over the years. He highlights the numbers, noting that since May 2013, a total of 1,250 employees have been laid off. Stephen A. points out that these layoffs are not surprising considering the financial obligations of a company like Disney, who owns ESPN, and the need to meet budgets and generate revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of individuals being seen as assets rather than liabilities, as success is measured by revenue generation. Stephen A. acknowledges that he, too, could be at risk of being laid off if his ratings drop or if he fails to generate revenue through his platforms. He then addresses the criticism that ESPN only wants Black faces but not Black voices, refuting this claim by mentioning several Black voices within ESPN's programming. Stephen A. expresses his lack of knowledge about the specific instances that were cited as evidence and highlights the diversity of voices within ESPN.
00:20:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his love and admiration for his former colleague Jemele Hill and emphasizes that he would never assume ESPN wants black faces but not black voices. He also defends Dan Le Batard and takes offense at the implication that he is not being authentic. Smith then addresses an article about First Take and asserts that he is motivated to succeed on the show. He expresses his confidence in the First Take team and declares that he is not worried about competition because they have been number one for many years. Smith concludes by stating that he believes ESPN as a whole is successful and that he has always believed in their ability to win, even after being fired.
00:25:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his confidence and determination as he talks about his role as the face of ESPN. He mentions the arrival of Pat McAfee and hints at his upcoming feature on the ESPYs. Stephen A. Smith concludes his statement by asserting that they are just getting started and won't be overshadowed by anyone, displaying his competitive spirit and challenging anyone who doubts them.
00:00:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his frustration with certain articles and commentaries about ESPN's First Take. He mentions an article titled "Skip and Stephen A. embraced debate played the hits and changed TV" which initially sounds flattering but turns out to be a puff piece endorsing Skip Bayless. Stephen A. acknowledges Skip's contribution to the show but criticizes the article for focusing on past employees rather than the current state of First Take. He also mentions that an executive VP at ESPN has not shown much interest in the show, highlighting the changes it has undergone over the years. Stephen A. emphasizes his ownership of First Take and asserts that it is his and Molly Kim's show.
00:05:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses the criticism and speculation about ESPN and First Take. He emphasizes his commitment to the network and the show, stating that he and First Take aren't going anywhere. Smith expresses his determination to maintain their number one position and take on competitors. He also dismisses the nostalgia for what ESPN used to be, defending the network's current state and addressing the layoffs that occurred. Smith pushes back against those who criticize ESPN, particularly former employees, reminding them that they benefited from their time there. He also mentions his disappointment in Dan Le Batard's questioning on his show, but clarifies that it doesn't affect his friendship with him.
00:10:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses criticism towards ESPN and defends its position in the industry. He argues that while the number of subscribers may have decreased due to the rise of social media and digital platforms, ESPN is still dominant in the sports landscape. Smith emphasizes ESPN's success in the digital realm, highlighting its large number of unique visitors and its ranking as the number one sports category in terms of digital viewership. He criticizes those who overlook these facts and continue to portray ESPN negatively. Smith concludes by reminding viewers that he himself is part of ESPN and is tired of hearing unfounded criticisms about the network's decline.
00:15:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith discusses the significant layoffs that ESPN has implemented over the years. He highlights the numbers, noting that since May 2013, a total of 1,250 employees have been laid off. Stephen A. points out that these layoffs are not surprising considering the financial obligations of a company like Disney, who owns ESPN, and the need to meet budgets and generate revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of individuals being seen as assets rather than liabilities, as success is measured by revenue generation. Stephen A. acknowledges that he, too, could be at risk of being laid off if his ratings drop or if he fails to generate revenue through his platforms. He then addresses the criticism that ESPN only wants Black faces but not Black voices, refuting this claim by mentioning several Black voices within ESPN's programming. Stephen A. expresses his lack of knowledge about the specific instances that were cited as evidence and highlights the diversity of voices within ESPN.
00:20:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his love and admiration for his former colleague Jemele Hill and emphasizes that he would never assume ESPN wants black faces but not black voices. He also defends Dan Le Batard and takes offense at the implication that he is not being authentic. Smith then addresses an article about First Take and asserts that he is motivated to succeed on the show. He expresses his confidence in the First Take team and declares that he is not worried about competition because they have been number one for many years. Smith concludes by stating that he believes ESPN as a whole is successful and that he has always believed in their ability to win, even after being fired.
00:25:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his confidence and determination as he talks about his role as the face of ESPN. He mentions the arrival of Pat McAfee and hints at his upcoming feature on the ESPYs. Stephen A. Smith concludes his statement by asserting that they are just getting started and won't be overshadowed by anyone, displaying his competitive spirit and challenging anyone who doubts them.
00:00:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his frustration with certain articles and commentaries about ESPN's First Take. He mentions an article titled "Skip and Stephen A. embraced debate played the hits and changed TV" which initially sounds flattering but turns out to be a puff piece endorsing Skip Bayless. Stephen A. acknowledges Skip's contribution to the show but criticizes the article for focusing on past employees rather than the current state of First Take. He also mentions that an executive VP at ESPN has not shown much interest in the show, highlighting the changes it has undergone over the years. Stephen A. emphasizes his ownership of First Take and asserts that it is his and Molly Kim's show.
00:05:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses the criticism and speculation about ESPN and First Take. He emphasizes his commitment to the network and the show, stating that he and First Take aren't going anywhere. Smith expresses his determination to maintain their number one position and take on competitors. He also dismisses the nostalgia for what ESPN used to be, defending the network's current state and addressing the layoffs that occurred. Smith pushes back against those who criticize ESPN, particularly former employees, reminding them that they benefited from their time there. He also mentions his disappointment in Dan Le Batard's questioning on his show, but clarifies that it doesn't affect his friendship with him.
00:10:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith addresses criticism towards ESPN and defends its position in the industry. He argues that while the number of subscribers may have decreased due to the rise of social media and digital platforms, ESPN is still dominant in the sports landscape. Smith emphasizes ESPN's success in the digital realm, highlighting its large number of unique visitors and its ranking as the number one sports category in terms of digital viewership. He criticizes those who overlook these facts and continue to portray ESPN negatively. Smith concludes by reminding viewers that he himself is part of ESPN and is tired of hearing unfounded criticisms about the network's decline.
00:15:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith discusses the significant layoffs that ESPN has implemented over the years. He highlights the numbers, noting that since May 2013, a total of 1,250 employees have been laid off. Stephen A. points out that these layoffs are not surprising considering the financial obligations of a company like Disney, who owns ESPN, and the need to meet budgets and generate revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of individuals being seen as assets rather than liabilities, as success is measured by revenue generation. Stephen A. acknowledges that he, too, could be at risk of being laid off if his ratings drop or if he fails to generate revenue through his platforms. He then addresses the criticism that ESPN only wants Black faces but not Black voices, refuting this claim by mentioning several Black voices within ESPN's programming. Stephen A. expresses his lack of knowledge about the specific instances that were cited as evidence and highlights the diversity of voices within ESPN.
00:20:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his love and admiration for his former colleague Jemele Hill and emphasizes that he would never assume ESPN wants black faces but not black voices. He also defends Dan Le Batard and takes offense at the implication that he is not being authentic. Smith then addresses an article about First Take and asserts that he is motivated to succeed on the show. He expresses his confidence in the First Take team and declares that he is not worried about competition because they have been number one for many years. Smith concludes by stating that he believes ESPN as a whole is successful and that he has always believed in their ability to win, even after being fired.
00:25:00 In this section, Stephen A. Smith expresses his confidence and determination as he talks about his role as the face of ESPN. He mentions the arrival of Pat McAfee and hints at his upcoming feature on the ESPYs. Stephen A. Smith concludes his statement by asserting that they are just getting started and won't be overshadowed by anyone, displaying his competitive spirit and challenging anyone who doubts them.
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Just fukking quit ya job already we don't GAF...
