Stephen A. Smith was visibly upset when Monica McNutt challenged him on the set of First Take on Monday.
This confrontation was reminiscent of the heated exchanges seen when Max Kellerman co-hosted the show.
After holding back for a long time, McNutt pointed out that although First Take has recently given significant coverage to women’s sports and the WNBA, this wasn’t the case three years ago.
Smith was initially speechless but responded later on his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, where he seemed to imply that he was responsible for the success of female personalities like McNutt, Molly Qerim, Kimberley A. Martin, Chiney Ogwumike, and Andraya Carter by providing them opportunities on his show.
However, many critics on social media found Smith’s comments inappropriate, arguing that it was wrong for him to claim credit for their success.
The backlash focused on how Smith’s comments overshadowed the talents and achievements of these women prior to their appearances on First Take.
Critics argued that while First Take provides a valuable platform, it doesn’t “create” the talents of these individuals.
For instance, McNutt’s abilities were evident long before she joined First Take, and the same goes for the other female hosts and analysts mentioned.
McNutt’s point wasn’t to deny that First Take promotes diversity or discusses the WNBA but to highlight that the show could have done more to elevate these discussions earlier.
Her commentary was a call for earlier and more meaningful engagement with women’s sports, not an attack on the show’s current efforts.
Smith’s remarks implying he “made” McNutt and other female analysts were widely condemned, as they seemed to dismiss the inherent talent and hard work of these individuals.
RELATED: Outspoken Sports Media Personality Fires Back At Stephen A. Smith With Sarcastic Post
On Tuesday, Smith addressed the issue again on First Take, stating that he fights for his colleagues.
This whole situation doesn’t appear to be a great look for Stephen A. Smith.
