Stephen A. Smith is facing another wave of scrutiny, this time far removed from hot takes and studio debates. Comedian Corey Holcomb has made explosive claims involving Smith and ESPN host Molly Qerim, and the conversation online has shifted fast.
Holcomb recalled a private exchange involving Jalen Rose, Qerim’s ex-husband. “(Rose) was disappointed at the things I had said because I said, ‘I think Stephen A. Smith is smashing Molly (Qerim),’” Holcomb claimed. He questioned why anyone would stay close to someone he described as difficult, adding that Qerim once checked Rose publicly while they were married.
Holcomb then escalated the allegation. He claimed Qerim’s longevity at ESPN was tied to Stephen A. Smith. “Molly had a terrible attitude. She was straight bch but she was allowed to stick around for a long time,” Holcomb said. “That’s how I knew. I was like, ‘He got to be fking that b**ch.’ … Nobody would tolerate a Molly. Molly is a awful person.”
Those words spread quickly, pulling Stephen A. Smith back into a spotlight that has followed him closely in recent months. The timing matters. Smith has been involved in several public disputes, criticism over his influence at ESPN, and debates about how much power he truly holds behind the scenes.
This moment isn’t just about gossip. Stephen A. Smith built his reputation as a loud authority figure, especially in basketball media. As his dominance has softened, more people appear willing to speak openly, whether fair or not.
Stephen A. Smith Faces New Criticism As Control And Credibility Get Questioned
Alongside the personal allegations, Corey Holcomb also went after Stephen A. Smith’s professional image, questioning how much freedom Smith actually has despite his public persona.
“Those platforms, you can make a decent amount of money, as Stephen A. Smith brags about all the time,” Holcomb said. “He rich, but he broke. Let me tell you why, brother. You know most of the stuff you say is what your boss wants you to say.”
That comment hit a nerve with audiences who have long debated whether Stephen A. Smith is a power broker or simply a very valuable mouthpiece. Smith has openly discussed his influence at ESPN and his role in shaping shows. Critics, however, have argued that his range has always been limited by corporate lines.
Recent controversies have only amplified that discussion. Stephen A. Smith has been involved in public feuds, backlash over comments, and visible friction with fans who once treated his word as gospel. The authority he held for years now faces regular challenge.
This latest situation adds weight to those doubts. If Smith’s influence was once unquestioned, it now feels conditional. Allegations like these, even unproven, can shape how executives, partners, and audiences view future opportunities.
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Stephen A. Smith remains one of the most recognizable voices in sports media. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the tone around him. Where there was once near-universal attention, there is now skepticism.
Whether these claims fade or grow, they arrive at a moment when Stephen A. Smith’s grip on the conversation feels weaker. And in an industry driven by perception, that alone could affect where his path leads next.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
