Stephen A. Smith, the loud, brash and controversial sports-talker, has signed a new five-year deal with ESPN worth $100 million, according to multiple reports.
News of the deal was first reported by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.
According to Deadline, money was not an issue with Smith signing a new deal. Instead, wanted to discuss topics away from sports, including politics.
The Athletic reports Smith no longer will be a regular on ESPN’s NBA pregame show. He still might appear on “Monday Night Football” and other primetime events, according to The Athletic.
Smith has steadily risen in fame after joining the show “First Take,” which airs daily on ESPN. His opinions often draw criticism but also attention to the network. Smith also has a podcast.