ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith couldn’t overlook Monica McNutt’s comments made on “First Take”.
On his podcast released the same day, Smith tackled the somewhat contentious exchange he had with McNutt on the ESPN debate show. The topic of discussion revolved around a recent incident involving Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter.
In an effort to highlight the show’s commitment to covering the WNBA and women’s sports, Smith was met with a sharp retort from McNutt, who said, “Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to.”
Smith went on to refute McNutt’s critique in the opening segment of his podcast, stating that he was particularly taken aback by her comment.
“To address Monica McNutt’s point, I found it very unfortunate that she would say that,” Smith expressed, seemingly agitated that his co-host Molly Qerim had to cut to a break during their heated discussion.
The conversation continued with Smith specifying the names of female analysts who have regularly appeared on “First Take” and the role the show has played in promoting them.
He fiercely defended his show and his role as the executive producer, stating, “I challenge anybody to find a show on sports television that discusses women’s issues, that discusses the WNBI, or women’s sports, that highlights and profiles female analysts more than ‘First Take’. It’s been going on for years.”
Smith also reiterated his respect and admiration for McNutt while addressing their on-air disagreement.
Despite the clash, Smith maintained his support for McNutt and his commitment to female analysts and athletes.
In the podcast, Smith called McNutt’s assertions “blatantly false,” careful to note that he was not calling her a liar but rather suggesting she was misinformed.
“I’m accusing her of not knowing. Because she’s not a liar, she’s an honorable person,” he explained further.
He concluded with a rhetorical question asking what more could be done for the WNBA, defending the show’s contributions to the league’s exposure.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s earlier appearance on “First Destiny” was cited as an example, wherein Engelbert thanked the platform for its coverage of the league.
FAQs About Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt’s Exchange on ‘First Take’
- Who is Stephen A. Smith?
- Stephen A. Smith is a well-known sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist who is currently an ESPN commentator and the executive producer of ‘First Take’.
- What was the disagreement between Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt on ‘First Take’?
- During a ‘First Take’ segment, Monica McNutt suggested that Stephen A. Smith could have used his platform to discuss women’s sports earlier. Smith was upset with these comments and later addressed them on his podcast, defending his track record of promoting women’s sports and female analysts.
- What is Smith’s role on ‘First Take’?
- Stephen A. Smith serves as both a commentator and the executive producer of the debate show ‘First Take’ on ESPN.
- Did Stephen A. Smith receive an acknowledgment from the WNBA commissioner?
- Yes, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert appeared on ‘First Take’ and thanked the show for its significant coverage of the WNBA.