Stephen A. Smith is known for his fervent defense of his co-hosts on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Following a heated debate with Monica McNutt regarding Caitlin Clark and the show’s coverage of the WNBA, Smith passionately spoke about his commitment to supporting his colleagues.
“I pride myself on being there for y’all,” Smith stated on Tuesday’s show. “It’s not about boasting; it’s about engaging in the battles that come our way. I defend Molly [Qerim] every day… I defend M&M [McNutt] every day. I was raised by five women—I know what it means to fight.”
Smith expanded on his stance, emphasizing the challenges he perceives in the industry. “We’re in the midst of warfare here. Some step up to the front lines while others might shy away. It’s not about bragging; it’s recognizing the reality of our battles, and I’m always ready to engage,” he explained.
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The debate that sparked these comments revolved around the treatment of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who recently experienced a rough play during a game. Chennedy Carter, involved in the incident, stated she did not regret her actions, which were later classified as a flagrant foul.
During the debate, McNutt argued that Clark should not receive special treatment from referees despite the sport’s physical nature. This led to a broader discussion about the show’s focus on women’s sports, with McNutt suggesting that Smith could have used his platform to highlight women’s sports more extensively in the past.
“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to,” McNutt pointed out.
Smith responded strongly, noting McNutt’s unfamiliarity with the breadth of “First Take’s” episodes and coverage.
He reiterated his role in promoting women’s sports on Tuesday, citing examples of female analysts who have been featured on “First Take,” such as Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter, to highlight his efforts in supporting and elevating women in sports media.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as the executive producer of ‘First Take,’ let me point out the presence of figures like Monica McNutt, Chiney Ogwumike, Andraya Carter, Kimberley Martin, and Molly Qerim. We’ve been spotlighting women’s issues and women’s sports, profiling female analysts more than any other sports show for years,” Smith affirmed.
Meanwhile, McNutt appeared on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Tuesday, expressing her desire for discussions surrounding the WNBA to focus more on gameplay rather than off-the-court controversies.
