Stephen A. Smith – Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Legendary sports personality Stephen A. Smith addressed rumors that he wants $100M from ESPN.
In recent years ESPN made massive cuts to its talent roaster but it was clear Stephen A. Smith wasn’t going anywhere. Next year Smith will be in the last year of his contract with ESPN and rumors suggest negotiations have already begun.
One of the most rampant rumors is that he’s seeking a hefty 5-year contract renewal worth $100M.
According to Complex, SAS addressed the rumors head on this week while appearing on Who’s Talking To Chris Wallace.
“The word on the street is that you want something in the range of $100 million for five years, True?” asked Wallace, to which Smith refused to say an exact number.
“I’m not getting specific as it pertains to numbers, because only a fool discusses his own negotiations while negotiating,” Smith said. “I would ask, respectfully, pay attention to the industry, see what people are getting paid. See how much money they’re making and what they’re bringing to the table. Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million. He’s making $60 million a year.”
Host Chris Wallace pushed back on the comparison of an NFL QB like Prescott but of course, Stephen A. shrugged off the difference of opinion. Smith highlighted Dak is one of the highest paid despite not having multiple playoff wins in almost a decade.
“I’m sorry, in our respective industries, I win,” he continued. “And I’m fully aware of what I’m worth, and I will never apologize to that for anybody.”
If we’re being honest, the chances ESPN would ever let Stephen A. Smith walk away are almost slim to none so he may get his $100M asking.
On the other hand, if for some reason he decides to leave he will be just fine as Stephen A. Smith is already dominating on YouTube and fans will go wherever he goes.
You can watch the full exchange between Chris Wallace and Stephen A. below.