ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee Respond to Rumor of ‘Explosive’ Argument

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVMarch 7, 2024

Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee recently had an “explosive” argument during a conversation regarding a yet-to-be-announced project slated for the network.

Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post reported McAfee called Smith a “motherf–ker” during the argument. While there were rumors of Smith banning McAfee from further appearances on his First Take program, both men denied the claim.

“I have nothing but love for Stephen A.,” McAfee said. “I think I’m still welcome on First Take? I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well.”

Smith responded in a lengthy email to Glasspiegel that praised McAfee, saying he is welcome on First Take next season.

“Pat McAfee and I have no issue and the notion that he’d be banned from ‘First Take’ is B.S,” Smith said.

“We are No. 1 and he has absolutely contributed to us remaining No. 1. McAfee was asked to come on each Tuesday through the Super Bowl and he did just that, kicking ass each time he came on the air.

“If McAfee wants to be on ‘First Take’ next season, he will be on ‘First Take’. I love winners and McAFee has proven he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell folks that he’s trail-blazed a path into a new era for so many of us. I’m grateful to have him as a part of my team and the ESPN Family. And I’m looking forward to having him on for years to come. I sincerely hope that I will not have to repeat myself on this nonsense again!”

Smith and McAfee are two of ESPN’s most powerful and highest-paid employees, both serving as mainstays of the network’s daytime programming.

McAfee, who joined ESPN on a full-time basis last year, has not shied away from controversy during his short time with the network. He received criticism for not pushing back on conspiracy theories and misinformation spread by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his program, and McAfee also made headlines for calling out ESPN executive Norby Williamson.

“There are some people actively trying to sabotage us from within ESPN,” McAfee said at the time. “More specifically, Norby Williamson is the guy who is attempting to sabotage our program.”

McAfee recently doubled down on his comments during an appearance on All the Smoke, calling his comments in January a “warning shot.”

Smith has credited McAfee’s five-year, $85 million contract with ESPN for helping him and others around the company know their worth.

“One of the greatest things that ever happened to somebody in my position is Pat McAfee and his show coming to ESPN and them getting paid. Because you set the market. Some people will call that ‘pocket watching.’ You damn right. We all do it. But it’s not to lament what somebody else is earning. It’s to applaud them and thank them for what they’re earning because I turn comps,” Smith said on his podcast.

While there appears to have been tension at some point between the two, they seemingly have no hard feelings at this point. We can likely chalk this one up to two passionate people getting carried away in the workplace.