STEPHEN EH?
Stephen A. Smith’s secret brutal nickname behind scenes at First Take revealed as ‘tensions on ESPN show escalate’
Stephen A. isn't the only one irking First Take employees
STEPHEN A. Smith's secret First Take nickname has been revealed.
Some of the ESPN show's staff have spoken out about behavior from the program's top talent that has created a tense environment.
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Sources at First Take revealed that Stephen A's overbearing presence on set has created tension behind the scenes.
They also shared that the crew has created nicknames for ESPN's top man while on set.
"With a group of other guys in the team, we also call Stephen A. 'Can't tell me nothing' between us, and some of us even had the song of Kanye West 'Can’t tell me nothing' as a ringtone when Stephen A. was calling us on our phones," a member of the production team told The U.S. Sun.
"That is how we see him, and it’s very frustrating to deal with, that creates tensions and some people even avoid talking to both Stephen A. and Shannon because they know their opinions or views on things will be criticized or they will just be shut down by them.
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"I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next few months, but a lot of people would like Stephen A to sign a deal somewhere."
Stephen A's contract is set to expire in 2025, but some employees feel it would be better if he signed a new deal somewhere else.
The First Take host is seeking a contract of $25 million per year to stay with ESPN.
"That dynamic is very, very frustrating, and we call them the 'The right guys' because they are always saying they are right and everybody else is wrong," the source told The U.S. Sun.
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"I mean, when people are so into themselves and thinking they are intellectually superior to others, how can you have a normal work dynamic or environment?
"A lot of people are fed up of it, and are considering what to do next, even moving away from the show.
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"They think they know everything, they are never wrong in their opinion and they behave like thy are the fathers of all of us, like even giving advices on what to do or not to do and criticize beyond limits."
Stephen A. isn't the only member of First Take getting flack from employees.
Shannon Sharpe is also under fire for what sources call "paternalistic behavior."
"It’s been very tense, and the behavior of both Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe isn’t helping to get a better working dynamic, that is for sure," a journalist at First Take told The U.S. Sun.
"That is very, very frustrating, that is for sure. For them, I always say it’s always 'Me, myself and I' against the others, pretty much they are always agreeing on everything and are opposed or showing others that their opinion or view are the best ones.
Stephen A. Smith's journey through media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.
Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.
"It’s very paternalistic, it’s very frustrating, as they think they run everything and they have knowledge on every topic of life, and that their opinions and views on things are the best, no matter what you tell them or no matter you [want] to show them that they are wrong.
"They are always telling people 'you should do this, you should do that' and being very annoying on speaking and wanting to get involved on every topic and matter.
"As a joke with other colleagues, we even thought a few weeks ago that if one day the decide to make shirts or hoodies were it’s written 'Stephen and Shannon VS the World.'
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"They would make tons of money, and it would be reflecting what they are doing on that show. That is very frustrating, and people are fed up with that 'Us against the world ‘ attitude, that is for sure.'"
Sharpe already signed an extension with ESPN after a successful year on First Take.