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ON SET RIVALS
Stephen A. Smith & JJ Redick have ‘not spoken to each other’ on First Take set for weeks after clashes over career moves
Reasons behind bust-up on First Take explained
STEPHEN A. Smith and JJ Redick were giving each other the silent treatment following a bust-up on First Take, a source has told The U.S. Sun.
Two insiders on the show, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claim the now LA Lakers coach and Stephen A. clashed behind the scenes and didn't speak "for weeks."
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ESPN big-hitter Stephen A's wage demands, as revealed by The U.S. Sun, has seen tensions on the show reach an uncomfortable "all-time high."
But one of the sources says the treatment on-screen of highly-rated NBA tactician Redick fanned the flames of discontent even more.
With motormouth Stephen A. and on-screen pal Shannon Sharpe known for their outlandish sporting views, Redick has earned his stripes by calling them both out on occasion.
The basketball veteran, who has now left a spot at ESPN's top NBA booth alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke, doesn't "stand for their BS" according to one of the sources.
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That, however, sparked some serious problems between Stephen A. and Redick.
When the 42-year-old was named the top man at the Lakers recently, any issues on the show were instantly extinguished.
But the problems, which have been intensifying since the start of the year, have been causing difficulties among other staff members.
FLAMES OF DISCONTENT
Some are angry about the way Redick was "unfairly" targeted for not dancing to Stephen A. 's tune and consistently dropping controversial bombs.
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"People on the team told Smith that it is unfair to bash JJ for not being like him," a journalist who works on the show told The U.S. Sun.
"His way is controversial, always being against other people in arguments. He has criticized Redick for his career choices, which left them not talking to each other in the last few weeks."
'He's an acquired taste' claims Stephen A. Smith on First Take about his ESPN colleague JJ Redick ahead of Lakers move
Redick, who Stephen A. described as an "acquired taste", joined ESPN in 2021 and has proved an insightful addition to First Take's punditry roster.
He hasn't shied away from taking on Stephen A. who, as revealed by The U.S. Sun, has upset some staff members so much with his push for a new deal they are threatening to leave the show.
The pair became embroiled in a fiery exchange earlier this year which became so heated the former 76ers, Clippers, and Orlando Magic star was forced to reassure viewers there were "no issues" between them.
It is very annoying to deal with.
First Take insider
However, the problems continued to escalate before Redick halted his punditry career and headed back to the NBA.
"The situation was getting ridiculous," the insider added. "Something had to change."
BURNING ISSUES
Redick became one of ESPN's top basketball analysts after Doc Rivers made his return to coaching with the Milwaukee Bucks in January.
He only retired from the big time three years ago but had long been trumpeted as a media star of the future after becoming the first active player to start a podcast.
The Old Man and The Three started in 2016 and is still going strong.
Yet the bad feeling behind the scenes on First Take remain.
"Everyone works their ass off for the show to be the best on TV, and many tensions have been rising, between journalists, the pundits, and the production crew," said another member of staff.
"It is very annoying to deal with."
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First Take did not comment when asked by The U.S. Sun about the situation, but stressed the show's June ratings were "up 7%, continuing a streak now at 23 consecutive months of growth.
"It concludes a first six months of 2024, which were the best first six months of the year for the show ever."
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