I Haven't Gone Anywhere, People!

   What's up everybody? My apologies to any and everyone who's clicked onto my website looking for my latest blog, noticed that it's been weeks since I've written a one -- even after seeing my name in the news so often -- asked themselves what the hell am I doing, and still never received an answer. Until today. Needless to say I've been busy working, negotiating a new contract, regaining a personal life lost sometime ago and salivating over the upcoming NBA Playoffs, which I happen to believe may be the best seen in at least the past decade.

    Still, it was necessary to write this blog, specifically, today. Just days after I surrendered my show on ESPN Radio, perhaps making myself happier than I've been in years -- only to witness one erroneous

report after another disseminating a familiar message: that somehow I've failed again and yet another opportunity was being snatched away from me.

    This much is true: in the past 18 months my television show "Quite Frankly" was cancelled by ESPN. I was stripped of my column by the Philadelphia Inquirer. The notion of my career disintegrating before

our very eyes was quite conspicuous, and I'm not about to blame anyone for sighing heavily, intrigued over the latest change in my life, exasperated over thoughts as to why "The Stephen A. Smith Show" on ESPN Radio sounded off for the Final time last Thursday afternoon.

   So Iet me set the record straight.

    I had no problem with ESPN's cancellation of "Quite Frankly." I positively pray that one day I'll have the opportunity to express precisely how I feel about all the misinformation expressed involving the stripping of my column by the Philadelphia Inquirer (I have lawyers for a reason, folks!). And I can't begin to express how happy I am over the decision I've made regarding my present role with ESPN.

    To all the haters out there, I regret to inform you that "The Stephen A. Smith Show" was NOT cancelled. I forfeited -- repeat, forfeited -- my show after three long years. Years more successful than I'd ever thought they would be, which ratings will show.

    Anyone who knows me knows I never entered SportsTalk-Radio with the intent of doing it for years and years to come. My goal, simply, was to enter the profession and develop my skills to a point where I'd create the option to do television, radio or print once my contract expired.

   And that's exactly what I have done.

    ESPN, recognizing I've had entirely too much on my plate over the years, was kind enough to give me the choice of picking between television and radio. I picked TV, but that's not all.

    I've agreed to be the new Columnist for ESPN The Magazine. I've also agreed to be the new Columnist for ESPN.Com, to go along with my television duties. My TV duties will primarily entail the Network's NBA coverage, but certainly not limited to that, at all.

    Essentially, I'm back to being inside those arenas and locker rooms, talking to players and officials, basically doing exactly what I love to do, which is talk TO people I'm actually talking about much more frequently.

   That's why I'm happy today.

    I'll get into more specifics in the days and weeks to come. I'm still reading the guestbook and all those emails coming in, which are greatly appreciated.

    Just do me a favor for the time being: Feel or think whatever you want. Just don't accept anything about me as gospel unless you've heard from me first.

    I may procrastinate from time-to-time in addressing your questions.

   But I never -- EVER -- hide.

   Remember that!!!

Comments

[RNel4]

Glad to have you back. I am a young black future Sport Manager, studying Sport Administration in grad school and we are fellow Cast Members. I look forward to your future thoughts. You have a lot of us looking up to you. Congratulations. Thanks for the good works! Oh, and keep writing!

[ernestmac]

It's a shame that they took off Quite Frankly. As far as radio, it has it's point but it's not a long term career investment. Dan Patrick stepped as quickly as he could. You do you Stephen and let the haters fall. It's so many of them anyway. Only one request, start updating this thing more. I'm in anticipation of the NBA playoffs and not one word from the best analyst out there. Peace.

[Purveyor of KNowledge]

Glad to have you back bruh! Keep doing big things. I'm wanting to know how you feel about the NBA playoffs and your predictions. I'm from Philly but I know my Sixers are probably going to get spanked by Detroit in the first round. My pick is LA vs BOS for the finals with Lakers taking it all in 7 games.

I'm outta here like acid wash jeans.
Peace

[Republicanfanz23]

Ahhh, actually I'm disappointed, because there are not a lot of black sports talk hosts out there. You have Tirico, Michael Irvin, who is doing a helluva of a job and the 2 live Stews. Other than that I can't name anyone else I would rather listen too.

I think SAS, has a lot to offer and a helluva lot to say. I just wish he finds a platform, where he can do what he do!!

[Lorris]

Hey Stephen A, welcome back!
I read about your radio show on the BET’s website sometime ago, so although I have had time to prepare; it’s still a major empty spot in my day. Your show has had some of my very favorite sports figures on it, you touched on subjects that others would not approach and; you shared your views even when you were going against the grain. I will miss you on the radio, but will gain a plethora of new words while reading your columns. I hope your radio personality, which I have grown to love will shine through while reading your writings. And no doubt you will be telling us the real deal of the NBA on television.
Stephen I am so excited! This NBA season has been so out of control with drama; KG making his move, Kobe finally talking (on your show), all the trades, New Orleans the city and team, and of course everything that has been transpiring with the nicks, which has truly been special for me. You grouped with the rest of the ESPNradio gang, and NBA league pass, has made it possible for me to follow this story as if I were in NY. Nothing screams defeated more than the demeanor of Isaiah Thomas, and in my opinion it goes beyond the game. I watched him turn in to a hunchback over the course of this season, which is sad. I like Isaiah.
Now it is play off time, the time all true NBA fans definitely salivate over and yes the best in years.
Let the real drama begin.
When do the columns begin?
Holla @ Your Gurl
Lorris

[Lorris]

Hey Stephen A, welcome back!
I read about your radio show on the BET’s website sometime ago, so although I have had time to prepare; it’s still a major empty spot in my day. Your show has had some of my very favorite sports figures on it, you touched on subjects that others would not approach and; you shared your views even when you were going against the grain. I will miss you on the radio, but will gain a plethora of new words while reading your columns. I hope your radio personality, which I have grown to love will shine through while reading your writings. And no doubt you will be telling us the real deal of the NBA on television.
Stephen I am so excited! This NBA season has been so out of control with drama; KG making his move, Kobe finally talking (on your show), all the trades, New Orleans the city and team, and of course everything that has been transpiring with the nicks, which has truly been special for me. You grouped with the rest of the ESPNradio gang, and NBA league pass, has made it possible for me to follow this story as if I were in NY. Nothing screams defeated more than the demeanor of Isaiah Thomas, and in my opinion it goes beyond the game. I watched him turn in to a hunchback over the course of this season, which is sad. I like Isaiah.
Now it is play off time, the time all true NBA fans definitely salivate over and yes the best in years.
Let the real drama begin.
When do the columns begin?
Holla @ Your Gurl
Lorris

[PurdueMatt]

Be careful Stephen, you are beginning to neglect this blog just like you neglected your newspaper gig.

[PurdueMatt]

Sorry to hear that your radio show was cancelled. Maybe you should come up with a new act. One that involves being insightful instead of loud. Just a thought.

[Tuesdae]

Stephen A., I will certainly miss you on the radio. I am a listener from North Carolina who has followed your career for several years. I schedule my day around sitting at my computer from 2-4 in the afternoon to hear your thoughts on the lastest sports news. I hope that you remain visible in your new endeavors, and I wish you all the best.

Tuesdae

[MrDieselRepair]

Hey,, Mr. Stephen A Smith.. welcome back to the blog, it is about a month already. i click the web every day,, it seems you very busy for you NBA or your stuff, i think that maybe you like M & M, ( have back problem and you can't write you blog,,*_*,, haa,, haa) just joking.
i listen you the last show. i feel you on the last speech. some times some thing is not alway go to your way, but you just keep try and do you best, i believe you will be good and smile in one day because you are a hard working guy. without you on the espn shows, i lost in the sport talk show, i missing friday Miami beach music ,, da dadadda,, uh,, ddadaddda.. when you have new shows or anything,, just count me in, i try to be there. it is touch and wish you the best in the furture.(ok,,let's go to a commercal break,, need to pay some bill,, lala..a, hahaaa)
by the way, it is my excuse now to get rid of my tear from my eyes, i feel sad when i hear you leave talk show. what i can do,, nothing!, Nothing.. just NOTHING I CAN DO!
i wish you have good time on the tv shows!
KB fans.. wish him can go all ways to the final!
MVP KB!

[khandor]

Stephen,

Always, always, always (remember to) ... Fight the Power!

PS. Once upon a time ... Nelson Mandela was considered to be a 'terrorist' in the land of his birth ... til he spent almost his entire adult life imprisoned ... and then became the State President of that same country. Over the course of 30 years, what had changed? Other than perception, of course. Food For Thought.

PPS. Basketball is a Brotherhood. Orville Wright ... WE not me. - Muhammad Ali

:-)

[Newman]

You just compared Nelson Mandela to Stephen A. Smith.

[urbantraffic]

Like many Stephan A. fans I too will miss the radio show. I think Stephen A's voice represented not only diversity of race but also diversity in opinion and perspective. Although I don't agree with everything Stephen A. says his presence is needed in the ever so vanilla media.

I have a question for all bloggers and for Stephen A. hismelf, Stephen A. called out the black athlete for being irresponsible and lacking socio-cultural and political conciousness. While I agree with Stephen A. I also think that the black athlete is placed in a precarious and confounding situation. On one hand the establishment and supporters of the establishment doesn't like or embrace athletes with a cause. As a result athletes have learned that in order to enjoy mainstream success they should be apolitical as possible. However, it seems that other's expect them to be politically conscious. Is it fair to expect them to plege an allegiance to the black community while simultenously the establisment would works to neutralize thier conciousness?

[NY 2 NC]

Public Enemy had a reference: TOO BLACK TOO STRONG? Continue to do what you do best, and stay true to yourself. I love your TV work (NBA on ESPN) and the guest spots on the Steve Harvey Show. Hope to see and read more from you real soon. Remember to "Trust God only" Keep up the excellent work; and continue to be an inspiration.

"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even."
Muhammad Ali

[iTallman]

It's good to see that your still doing you. It's a pleasure to see a Young Black and Strong brother progressing at ESPN. I'm definitely going to miss you on the radio, that was the only time that I got a chance to hear your in your face brand of sportscasting, it's good to know that your back on the TV because your needed there as well. Keep on pushing and keep being you and everything will work out. When are we going to see that Stephen A. Smith book!!!

CAVS IN 7!!!