Radio Special 2-4 EST on ESPN Radio Feb. 27th

   

   What’s up, everybody! Sorry I haven’t been blogging lately but I’ve been a bit preoccupied. Work. Family issues with Mom and Dad. But more importantly, my ESPN Radio Show scheduled for Feb. 27, to celebrate Black History Month in a way that, let’s say, only yours truly and a few others would dare.

   Tomorrow, inside the ESPN Zone in Times Square in New York City, from 2-to-4 p.m. (EST) the “Stephen A. Smith Show” will air across the national airwaves on ESPN Radio.

   The Theme: The Black Athlete. How far have they come? How far do they need to go?

  I’ll have my man, Comedian Steve Harvey of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, in attendance. “Primetime” Deion Sanders is flying in to join the panel. NBA Commissioner David Stern says he may call in. James Brown, Host of CBS’ NFL Today and a contributor to HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, is scheduled to call in. My friends, Rob Parker (Detroit News) and Shaun Powell (New York Newsday), will be in attendance – and the subject matter is, virtually, no holds barred.

  Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. The media and credibility of the coverage it provides. The criminalization of the black athlete, real or perceived.  The image of NBA and NFL players in comparison to MLB players. The social responsibilities of the black athlete, and why so many seem to run from it any chance they get. The list goes on and on.

  Jim Brown was supposed to be in attendance, but came down with the flu and could not hop on a flight from LA to NYC.

  Steve Harvey is extremely astute on a plethora of issues facing the sports world, mainly because he’s an avid fan, not just a spectator. Primetime’s presence speaks for itself, particularly as a former NFL player – and future Hall of Famer, in my mind – as well as a former Major League Baseball player. Parker and Powell have both been outstanding journalists for nearly 20 years.  James Brown is respected across this nation as one of the preeminent fixtures in all of sports broadcasting. So I’ll gladly label myself as the weak link of this show on this particular day.

  When all is said and done, it’s my intent that one important message comes across more than anything else:

  Black people come in all shapes and sizes. We think differently than one another more than most folks think, and we’re certainly not shy about expressing as much.

  I sincerely believe people will learn that much upon listening to today’s show. At least that much.

Comments

[PurdueMatt]

What about the white athlete?

[PurdueMatt]

For the 100th time, Clemens hasn't received any more favorable treatment than Bonds in the media or in the forum of public opinion. They are both assholes and they both cheated.

[Republicanfanz23]

Stephen, I caught the show and had a "Quite Frankly" flashback! Great topic and great guests. When are you coming back to television with your ideas and creativity? Man, you got a lot to say and you're one of the new up and comers in television and our community.

I don't have anything negative to say, except that I wish the subject of why there are no black men/women on ESPN with their own television show! If ESPN, specifically Jeremy Schaap is so appalled by the lack of college coaches in football, I wonder if he is appalled by the lack of black commentators and show hosts on ESPN. (and if he willing to give up his seat to a minority)

Just a thought, Stephen! Now go find you another house!!

So I can be welcomed, anytime....

JC "I"ll put my name down!!" Lewis, Jr.
Moreno Valley, CA

PS: I could have swore that Steve Harvey went to college.

[luvmesmsas]

Stephen,

Do you personally answer any of your fan mail? I have been trying for awhile to get a message to you but have hit stone walls every time. I have even wrote a strawberry letter that was not read on the air, ask Steve or Shirley if they have that letter.

[Ben60657]

"...it’s my intent that one important message comes across more than anything else: Black people come in all shapes and sizes. We think differently than one another more than most folks think, and we’re certainly not shy about expressing as much."

As opposed to white, green, purple, short, tall, fat, and thin people, who each come in one shape and size and think the same way as everyone else who looks like them and are very shy about even doing that much.

Your show is to "celebrate" Black History Month, and the above point is what you want to try and get across?

"...in a way that, let’s say, only yours truly and a few others would dare."

I love that you try to sound edgy with this line and then end the post by saying your main point will be that black people think independently from one another. Whoa...watch out!

[TheSportsGuy]

Quite frankly, Stephen A., welcome to the world of blogging (a belated welcome, y'know?). Excited to read your upcoming posts.

[TheSportsGuy]

One more thing I want to add: there's only one race in my mind, and that's the human race.

[MsEricka]

LOVED the show. Next year, I'd like to hear more from current athletes and what THEY think the state of the modern Black athlete is. Kudos to ESPN for giving you the forum to talk about something other than Roger Clemens.

BTW...missed your writing. I'm glad to see your thoughts in "black and white" again. ;)

[MrDieselRepair]

3/6/2008
TOUCH MOMENT IN MY DAY>> FAVRE, I MISS YOU! BE WELL!
From you retriement conference, it is really touch when i hear you say it is over and your tear from your eyes. that is the tear because you still love the game , love the people around you. you can't stay because your heart is not in the glass any more. STAY IS EASY,, LEAVE NEED SOME COURAGE. Remember that,, i don't know i write that right in english or not.
when i watch you conference, i feel life is not easy. there is lots of IF in the lIFe. that is you decision. we like to show some love to you. (L--O--V--E--) 17 year in the NFL family. you just don't know how long it is. you can say it just like yesterday. like yesterday you just play you prefessornal football first game, first pass. first completion. lots of moment you can remeber and talk to you friends, your children and you generation. a line has its stard then it has its end. you left when you had given out all you have. i take off my hat for you. (L^_).
Hey,, BT,, when it is time, it is time!
i like you ! i miss you! see you around.
FIGHTING!!!

[basebaiii]

BECAUSE IM SCREAMING THAT MEANS MY OPIONION IS MORE IMPORTANT - STEPHEN A.