Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith reigns as one of sports media’s most unapologetic dust-kickers. The Bronx native is the face of “First Take,” ESPN’s most popular morning sports show. His career progression is the envy of Black sports journalists: He started in the 1990s as a print journalist in Winston-Salem before moving to the Philadelphia Inquirer to serve as a columnist for the 76ers. He launched his television career in 1999 on CNN/SI and was a staple on “ESPN Sportscenter” for years before settling into “First Take.” His assertive, often brash speaking style makes him divisive to many, but Smith is one of the highest-paid and most popular sportscasters at ESPN for good reason.