‘Furious’ Stephen A. Smith subtly hints possible racism in Robert Kraft’s decision to fire Jerod Mayo after just one season
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith highlighted that Jerod Mayo getting fired after one year was unfair considering he inherited a weak team.
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Stephen A. Smith and Jerod Mayo (Image via IMAGO/X)
Jerod Mayo’s position as the New England Patriots head coach was under question because of an abysmal record of thirteen losses from seventeen games. However, Robert Kraft faced massive criticism after he announced that he fired Mayo.
Prominent sports analyst Stephen A. Smith was not only surprised but also questioned the motive behind Mayo’s dismissal. On Monday’s segment of ESPN’s First Take, Smith pointed out that the Patriots didn’t give their former player-turned-coach a fair enough chance to prove himself because they already had a replacement lined up.
This is about Mike Vrabel. That’s who they wanted… He’s the more seasoned and experienced coach. I don’t like this. They call it Black Monday for a reason. This certainly typifies it. I don’t know why it’s not called White Monday. Jerod Mayo clearly was not given a lengthy enough opportunity.
Stephen A. Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith goes OFF on the #Patriots firing HC Jerod Mayo making it about race and Mike Vrabel:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 6, 2025
"They call it Black Monday for a reason. This certainly typifies it. I don't know why it's not called White Monday."
???pic.twitter.com/gtX4tGeDMw
Smith argued former head coach Bill Belichick left the Patriots in 2023 with a very weakened roster and the Patriots did not provide Mayo enough support and time to implement his ideas and bring the players that he wanted.
The Patriots needed to lose against their divisional rivals the Buffalo Bills to secure the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A two-touchdown performance from rookie quarterback Joe Milton II gave the Patriots their fourth win of the season, closing out the season on a high.
However, the win knocked the top draft pick out of their hands as they fell to fourth. Shortly after, Kraft fired Mayo, perplexing everyone including former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who questioned the decision.
Robert Kraft breaks silence after firing Jerod Mayo
It’s a well-known fact that Kraft handpicked Mayo as the Patriots coach. So, getting rid of him after just one year raised many questions. The veteran owner released a statement that sacking Mayo wasn’t an easy decision because he had seen him mature as a man during his time with the Patriots.
Even if Kraft has a deep affection for Mayo, he also has a responsibility to the fans to give them winning moments that they had been lacking since Tom Brady left.
Since buying the team, I have always considered myself and my family as custodians of a public asset. We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years. I apologize for that.
Robert Kraft said via FOX News.
Kraft promised that they would return to championship-winning days soon. And as Smith mentioned, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel may become the next head coach at Foxborough. Similar to Mayo, Vrabel starred for the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls.
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Ishan Misra
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