ESPN Breaks Silence On Stephen A. Smith's Absence From 'First Take'
ESPN viewers haven't seen Stephen A. Smith on TV for the past few days. While some might be enjoying that break, others are wondering what's going on behind the scenes.
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Just a few months ago, ESPN signed Smith to an extension that'll pay him $100 million over the next five years. There's no question he's going to remain the face of the network.
"Stephen A. works incredibly hard to elevate the sports conversation day-in and day-out and we are grateful he will remain at ESPN," said Jimmy Pitaro, the network's chairman. "He is a difference maker, and fans are captivated by his deep sports knowledge, strong opinions and unmistakable flair."
Earlier this week, Awful Announcing called out the prominent ESPN personality with their latest opinion piece titled "America needs a vacation from Stephen A. Smith." That article caught an ESPN employee's attention.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 14: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks during Game Four of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 14, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jim Cowsert/NBAE via Getty Images)John R. Manzo, the associate director of communications for ESPN BET, responded to that post from Awful Announcing. He let everyone know that Smith is actually on vacation through the end of the month.
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"Stephen A. is actually on a well-deserved vacation into July, yet the conversation hasn't stopped," Manzo wrote on X. "A reminder his influence doesn't take a day off."
So there you have it, Smith won't be on ESPN until some point in July.
It makes sense for Smith to go on vacation right now since the NBA season is over and NFL training camp is still a few weeks away. According to Front Office Sports, the charismatic ESPN personality will receive an expanded role in the network's NFL coverage.
Related: Stephen A. Smith's Former ESPN Colleague Admits She Hates Him
ESPN Breaks Silence On Stephen A. Smith's Absence From 'First Take' first appeared on The Spun on Jun 27, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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