ESPN accused of appeasing First Take host Stephen A. Smith by adding new co-host Jason McCourty to show amid ‘tensions between talent and staff’
ESPN is being accused of doing everything it can to appease First Take host Stephen A. Smith amid the reported strife between production staff and on-air talent.
Most recently, the reported addition of former NFL defensive back and NFL Network host Jason McCourty is being seen as a concession to Smith, according to the US Sun.
‘I mean, that is another weird move, something that brings even more power to Stephen A. Smith’s circle of influence,’ a First Take source told the Sun of the host who has become indispensable to the network’s daytime and primetime programming.
‘I received a lot of texts with just ”WTF?” or ”Here we go, one more guy for ”King” Stephen A. Smith’s court,’ the source added.
The addition of McCourty was likened to that of Shannon Sharpe, the retired Denver Broncos tight end who left Fox Sports for ESPN’s First Take a year earlier. Like McCourty, Sharpe is perceived to be tight with Smith.
ESPN is being accused of doing everything it can to appease First Take host Stephen A. Smith
Former NFL defensive back Jason McCourty is leaving NFL Network for ESPN’s First Take
‘We already have Shannon Sharpe as his right arm, and now we have another guy to add to his ‘court favorites,’ the source told the Sun.
‘This is turning into a ‘Stephen A. Smith’ friends club, that is not a good thing.
‘It gives him more power and space to pretty much do and say whatever he wants, and behave the way he wants.’
ESPN spokespeople did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment late Monday night.
McCourty is expected to make two appearances a week on First Take, The Athletic reported. The 37-year-old former Miami Dolphins star will continue his full-time role with CBS Sports.
ESPN has thus far declined to comment on McCourty’s reported move to the World Wide Leader, but he has discussed it with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.
The report comes at a curious time for the cable giant.
ESPN has been cutting back its on-air talent in recent years, most recently dismissing co-hosts Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III over what one source described to DailyMail.com as a budgetary decision ahead of the end of the fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the network is rumored to be negotiating a historic contract with Smith and possibly Sharpe as well. Front Office Sports reported in June that the First Take co-host and NBA analyst could earn as much as $20 million annually. Then on Saturday, the Sun reported that Smith is seeking $25 million a year.
The addition of McCourty was likened to that of Shannon Sharpe, the ex-Broncos tight end
Currently, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman ranks atop the ESPN salary rankings at reported $18 million a year. Smith, meanwhile, makes a reported $12 million annually.
It is Smith and Sharpe’s reported demands that have angered their co-workers, according to the Sun.
‘Many colleagues aren’t happy with the way [Stephen A.] has been behaving lately, pushing things for himself and Sharpe,’ an insider told the Sun.
‘…and trying to get them both the max deals and money they can get, without taking any consideration for the rest of the team and crew.
‘Other journalists and crew people are really mad at him and Sharpe, as they feel like it’s a ‘two man band’ against the world, and the other people on the team are just here to do and follow what they want to do.’
Interestingly, Smith wasn’t on air for a portion of Monday’s broadcast due to technical issues.
‘I apologize to the audience for the technical difficulties,’ a frustrated Smith told his audience while appearing via satellite. ‘We are going to get that straight. We ain’t going to tolerate much more of this.’
