Stephen A. Smith, one of the most prominent sports commentators, recently opened up about the sacrifices he’s made in his personal life to achieve professional success. In a candid conversation with Cam’ron on the Talk With Flee podcast, Smith explained how his relentless work schedule has impacted his relationships and ultimately led him to remain unmarried.
“I don’t work less than 330 days a year. 330. check ESPN. They will tell you. OK? It’s a minimum of 240 days on First Take. That don’t count SportsCenter. It don’t count NBA Countdown. It don’t count other shows that I appear on for ESPN and what have you.”
“It don’t count that I do on my own when it comes to politics and all of this other stuff. So I work a minimum of 330 days out of the year. I don’t get holidays. I work Christmas day. I work Thanksgiving day. Um, I work weekends.”
“Uh, you know, I don’t get off on my birthday. It’s Mother’s Day. It’s Father’s Day. It’s 4th of July. The list goes on and on and on. 99% of the time I’m working under those circumstances. And so I know that it’s hard.”
“I know that it’s worn on some people as well. It’s certainly worn on my personal life. That is the reason why I’ve never been married. Because I was on the road 200 days out of the year.”
“And the fact of the matter is at that time, there was no way in hell I was going to be faithful. I knew that. So why the hell am I going to sit up there and violate my marital vows, knowing ahead of time I ain’t going to honor them?”
Smith’s intense dedication to his work isn’t limited to sports. His podcast, which has nearly a million subscribers, covers a wide range of topics, including politics and culture. Smith has also made appearances on political programming across the ideological spectrum, showcasing his versatility as a commentator.
As his current ESPN contract nears its expiration in 2025, Smith is reportedly seeking a lucrative new deal. While Disney has reportedly offered him $18 million per year, Smith is said to be holding out for a deal worth at least $25 million annually. Recent reports suggest negotiations could result in a six-year contract worth $120 million, though Smith has dismissed claims that an agreement is imminent.
Despite his immense success, Smith’s story underscores the personal sacrifices he’s made to reach the pinnacle of his profession. His decision to remain single reflects his self-awareness and honesty about the challenges of balancing a relentless career with personal commitments.
Smith’s transparency about his life and decisions adds another layer to his public persona, making him not only a respected commentator but also a figure who openly grapples with the trade-offs of professional ambition.
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