Stephen A. Smith's expiring contract and aspirations to become even more ubiquitous in the content game has been a major sports media story for months now and Tuesday brought a new development in the process as Variety's Brian Steinberg reported that the two sides are nearing a deal. That would not be a surprise resolution as ESPN has been the leader in the clubhouse to retain his services the whole time. What is newsworthy, though, is the idea that Smith could emerge with a "first look" deal across Disney's general entertainment properties.
The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reached Smith after the news broke and the high-profile pundit pushed back on the idea that an agreement was imminent.
When asked over text if a deal is close, Smith simply responded, “False.” After a brief back-and-forth about the particulars, Smith added, “Here’s my quote, ‘I was born AT NIGHT, not last night. I don’t talk about my contract negotiations. Never have. Never will.”
So it remains an open question as to when more definitive news will emerge or if something unexpected could happen that leaves to a breakip of a long-running partnership.
None of that will stop Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, however. He came into his weekly First Take hit with Smith on Wednesday intent on alluding to the big-money deal and made sure to get it out of the way early.
Molly Qerim: "How's everyone feeling this morning? Are we chipper?"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 4, 2024
Chris Russo: "The guy in front me is very chipper. I'll guarantee ya that. Hello Steve, how are ya?" https://t.co/fwel8WvQJH pic.twitter.com/q1LfbG1Wfm
"The guy in front of me is very chipper, I guarantee you that. Well hello, Steve," Russo said.
Smith could only laugh himself, which inspired Russo to laugh even harder. And that's how the sports show started.
They like to have fun.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo Had a Big Laugh Over Stephen A. Smith's Contract News.
