ESPN host and sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has recently given out statements that call out the Democratic Party and at the same time, show his support for the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Question of whether he has become a Republican was raised, and Stephen A. Smith has clarified his political stance. With these things in mind, entrepreneur and podcast host Patrick Bet-David has some theories on why the host and broadcast personality seems to be “shifting” his stance lately.
In one of the recent episodes of the PBD Podcast, Bet-David, and his co-hosts touched on the matter of Stephen A. Smith giving out statements that sound like anti-Democrats, with him being a vocal left-leaning personality in the past. As he understood it, Stephen A.’s actions may be connected to his career’s future.
“It’s one of two things and I’m going to give you which one I think it is,” Bet-David said. “One, the contract negotiation isn’t going as planned and he has said, ‘f*** it. I’m out. This is how you guys want to treat me? I’m out. I can go make my own money and get my own attention and get my own eyeballs.’ This guy’s going to get eyeballs [and] people gonna listen to what Stephen A. has to say.
He added: “That’s one, where the negotiation is not going right and he’s not happy.”
PBD on Stephen A. Smith: “I Hope Disney CEO Will Realize…”
Another reason, PBD theorized, may be business-inspired, and may involve Bob Iger capitalizing on the reach and visibility that comes with the name of Stephen A. Smith. He theorizes that Disney’s CEO Bob Iger may want to cash in from that reach.
“Capitalism will force you to go back to common sense,” PBD said. “I think capitalism has kicked Bob Iger’s ass in ways no one else physically has in his entire life. I hope capitalism gets [Bob] to realize I like that Stephen A. is talking the way that he is. I like that Stephen A is challenging people. I like that he’s getting eyeballs. Maybe this is what the American people want, maybe this is what people are interested in.”
Stephen A. Smith is currently in contract with ESPN, which is a company under the Disney conglomerate, and is currently the main host of the program “First Take.” He also runs his own YouTube channel where he gives his unfiltered commentary on sports and political issues.
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