Stephen A. Smith indirectly accuses ESPN of RACISM amid mass layoffs indicating he ‘could be next’

Stephen A. Smith made a shocking claim about a hint of racism existing within the ESPN's firing of about 20 employees recently

Stephen A. Smith indirectly accuses ESPN of RACISM amid mass layoffs indicating he ‘could be next’

Stephen A. Smith (via Getty images)

In today’s world media plays an integral role in the overall development of every sport including the highly coveted National Football League. The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network more popularly known as ESPN is one of the primary contributors in the field, and the broadcasting channel has hogged plenty of coverage recently, with their decision to fire around 20 on-air personalities. Popular ESPN show host, Stephen A. Smith has escaped the cut at least for now, but it might not be that way for long.

ESPN has laid off the likes of Max Kellerman, Jeff Van Gundy and Keyshawn Johnson who were a regular feature of their shows. According to a report by New York Post, the company wanted to save “tens of millions” by reducing the current workforce ahead of the upcoming sporting season in America. First Take co-host Smith spoke out on the recent layoffs of his beloved colleagues by his employer while speaking on the FanDuel podcast.

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Stephen A. Smith hinted at the fact that he too might have to give way in the near future. The 55-year-old feels that the company will lay off more employees in their goal towards cost reduction, and spoke on how one should not take things for granted being a black man.

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Read Further: Stephen A. Smith’s wife

Stephen A. Smith feels his future is also uncertain amidst ESPN’s policy of mass firing

Stephen A. Smith (via Getty images)
Stephen A. Smith (via Getty Images)

The racism claim made by Stephen A. Smith might seem a bit outrageous but the veteran has a reputation for being bluntly truthful and this could well be one of those instances. Nothing more can be excavated from Smith’s comments currently on the subject of “racism” unless and until he decides to speak out more on the issue.

“This ain’t the end. More is coming,” Smith said of the layoffs. “And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next. Let me tell you all something. Don’t ever, ever, ever in your life as a Black person take anything for granted.

“I told you before when white folks catch a cold, Black folks catch pneumonia…The one thing I could tell you about Stephen A, this ain’t 2009. I really didn’t see it coming. My eyes are always wide open now. I’m never comfortable. I never take anything for granted and I never assume that I’m safe.”

Stephen A. Smith is one of the leaders in the sports broadcasting industry, and ESPN would be taking a bold step if they are to terminate his contract. Smith has a $12 million annual contract, a fee that is low for someone of his stature.

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