Bussin' With The Boys Best of the Bus: Stephen A Smith On Competing With Pat McAfee + Staying On Top At ESPN
Oct 4, 2025
Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports commentator and the face of ESPN, shares insights from his illustrious career. He dives into the pressures of live TV and the strategies for critiquing athletes fairly. Balancing friendships with honest reporting is key for him, as he emphasizes the importance of trust before public criticism. Stephen reflects on his rivalry with Pat McAfee while asserting his place at the top of ESPN. His journey from print to national TV showcases his commitment to independence and the evolving landscape of sports media.
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Bring Passion When Critiquing Pros
- Do your work with passion because you critique professionals who operate at the highest level.
- Commit to effort and enthusiasm to earn respect when you judge elite performers.
Learning Soccer On The Job
- Stephen A. recounts being sent to cover Wake Forest soccer with no prior knowledge of the game.
- The coach taught him the sport and he learned to critique by listening to experts, which launched his beat writer role.
Separate Personal Ties From Public Duty
- When you cultivate relationships with athletes, be guarded about personal matters but objective on performance.
- Remind friends of your professional obligations when private ties conflict with public reporting.