“You wanna talk about IQ, I could say I could put my IQ against yours, I got something even better I could ask you why you been running from me for the past year since I asked you to talk to me, I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude. We could go a myriad of ways” — Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith is one of the most prominent, polarizing, and highest-paid figures in American sports media. Known for his passionate, loud, and often controversial commentary style (nicknamed “Screamin’ A. Smith”), he serves as the face of ESPN’s First Take, an NBA analyst, radio host, podcaster, executive producer, author, and occasional actor.
Smith was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Hollis, Queens, as the youngest of six children. His family had roots in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His mother became the primary breadwinner after his father stepped out for a pack of cigarettes and disappeared.
(EDUCATION?) Smith struggled academically early on (repeating grades) but played basketball. He attended the Fashion Institute of Technology briefly before earning a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State University (an HBCU), where he graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in mass communications.
A knee injury ended his playing career. While in college, he began journalism by writing for the school newspaper The News Argus, including a bold column calling for his coach’s retirement. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Smith started in newspapers right after college:Reporter roles at the Winston-Salem Journal, Greensboro News and Record, and New York Daily News (covering high school sports).
Joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1994, where he spent over 15 years. He covered Temple University sports, served as a backup NBA writer for the Philadelphia 76ers, became the full-time 76ers beat writer, and rose to NBA columnist (2002) and general sports columnist (2003).
Smith joined ESPN in 2003 as an NBA analyst for NBA Shootaround (later NBA Countdown), appearing from Times Square.
Hosted The Stephen A. Smith Show on ESPN Radio (2005–2008).
Hosted Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN2 (2005–2007).
Frequent SportsCenter and First Take contributor, plus guest hosting other shows.
He left ESPN in 2009 amid reported tensions but returned in 2011 (starting with radio, then TV). He became a co-host of First Take in 2012, eventually taking the lead role alongside rotating analysts (notably Skip Bayless earlier, now others) and Molly Qerim as moderator. He also serves as executive producer.
Today, he remains a staple on First Take, NBA Countdown, SportsCenter, and ESPN/ABC NBA broadcasts. His style—fiery debates, bold takes on NBA/NFL, and cultural commentary—has made the show a ratings powerhouse.
The Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM (Mad Dog Sports Radio and a politics show on POTUS channel).
Runs a popular YouTube channel and podcast with sports, politics, and personal commentary.
Founded Straight Shooter Media; oversees production and branding.
Fashion College
Duke Stern • June 9, 2026
Well, Smith is a snazzy dresser, but his IQ is still in question.