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Stephen A. Smith’s uncertain First Take future ‘very frustrating’ with tension growing behind the scenes
Smith has been off air this week with First Take bumped from it's usual slot
STEPHEN A. Smith's uncertain future with ESPN and behavior on First Take are apparently causing tension, an insider has claimed.
First Take star Smith, 56, is out of contract next year and reportedly wants a $7 million-a-year pay rise.
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Smith is said to be seeking $25 million annually, which would make him ESPN's highest-paid analyst.
And an insider on First Take has told The U.S. Sun that tension is growing behind the scenes.
The source claimed that the behavior of Smith and co-star Shannon Sharpe has left crew members "really mad."
"Smith and Sharpe are doing whatever they want," said the staffer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
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"It's frustrating for all of us who work our asses off."
"Shannon had his extension deal, and it’s good for him, but you can really see that both of them care about their deals more than about their coworkers and colleagues,
"The situation has to change soon, or it will turn into an impossible situation to deal with.
"I used to enjoy going to work, but right now, I wake up in the morning not wanting to go in.
"It’s pretty much team Smith and Sharpe against everybody else."
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The insider called the Smith and Sharpe situation, "very frustrating."
"Stephen and Shannon think that the show is them and nobody else is as important."
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First Take did not comment when asked by The U.S. Sun about claims of tension behind the scenes.
The show airs weekdays at 10am ET until noon and is a ratings hit for ESPN.
This week it has been bumped off the main channel due to Wimbledon coverage.
And that has meant Smith and host Molly Qerim have been given some time off while the show airs on ESPN2.
Next week it will be taken off air completely for three days.
Stephen A. Smith's journey through media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.
Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.
ESPN will show Wimbledon live on both the main channel and ESPN2 from Monday to Wednesday.
And that means no slot on the schedule for First Take.
Some fans have commented on social media about how they miss Smith's presence.
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"@stephenasmith we need you back on @FirstTake," one fan wrote.
"@stephenasmith hey sir when are you coming back from vacation," another asked.