ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith told fans to enjoy his return on First Take — because his next vacation is right around the corner.
The 56-year-old sportscaster returned to the ESPN studios on Monday after a three-week absence.
4
4
Smith confirmed that he “cut short” his vacation to return to the broadcast sooner.
“I’m off vacation and @FirstTake for the next few days,” Stephen A. wrote on X.
“Boy, it’s good to be back!!”
ESPN viewers begged the sportscaster to return as First Take was “falling apart” without him.
He answered on Monday, starting the show with a typically high-decibel cold open.
“You miss me?!” shouted Smith, dressed in an eye-popping purple suit.
“I know you did it, whether you want to admit it or not.”
Smith was joined by host Molly Qerim after his own vacation during the NBA and NFL off-season.
Most read in American football
But Stephen A. disappointed some fans by revealing that he would be preparing for another trip at the end of the week.
“So I decided, let me take a break, to go in and break down people’s emotions and feelings,” he added.
“It’ll only be a few days, then I’ll disappear again.”
“Stay on vacation, you deserved it,” wrote a fan on X.
“Steve talks loudly back to class!!!” joked another.
“Show needs you OG have been real quiet lately,” commented a third.
First Take is set for a major schedule change on Thursday and Friday.
First look at the numbers
First Take has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim over the past year.
ESPN’s weekday debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 — making it the most-watched year in the show’s history.
Its December average of 611,000 represented a 24% annual increase compared to 2022.
The show has also recorded more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
The program was replaced in its usual time slot by ESPN’s coverage of Little League Baseball.
Stephen A. and Molly will head to ESPN 2, with the show airing in its usual time slot of 10 a.m. Eastern.
Smith has been with the network since 2003, but his future remains uncertain in the final year of his contract.
Reports suggest the veteran is looking for a salary of $25 million per year, per Puck.news.
ESPN reportedly offered Smith $18 million, which would make him one of ESPN’s most bankable stars.
4
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
