Stephen A. Smith-Pat McAfee argument, explained: Why war of words erupted between polarizing ESPN personalities
It’s fair to say Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee have a similar approach as two of ESPN’s most prominent on-air personalities. Both are very much opinionated and ultra confident. Individually, that’s proven beneficial for Smith and McAfee. Together, it apparently doesn’t blend as well.
Smith and McAfee were reportedly involved in a “heated” argument during a recent private conversation, leading to lingering animosity between the two highly paid hosts.
While Smith and McAfee might have different sets of beliefs, they have crossed paths numerous times before. Smith has appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” while McAfee has made appearances on Smith’s “First Take.” Smith and McAfee also shared a platform when ESPN’s “College GameDay” came to Boulder, Colo. in September.
Here’s what you need to know about the beef between Smith and McAfee, including what went down on that phone call.
Stephen A. Smith-Pat McAfee argument, explained
Smith and McAfee had an “explosive argument” during a recent phone call, according to the New York Post. The dispute reportedly stemmed from “creative differences involving a yet-to-be-announced project” produced by Smith and set to air on ESPN.
The New York Post says Smith went as far as banning McAfee from appearing on “First Take” after the argument, though the ban was quickly rescinded. McAfee told the outlet that he was never aware of a ban, adding that he has “nothing but love for Stephen A.”
Smith, meanwhile, told the New York Post that he has “no issue” with McAfee and strongly denied that he banned the former NFL punter from the show. “If McAfee wants to be on ‘First Take’ next season, he will be on ‘First Take’. I love winners and McAfee has proven he wins — which helps ME win,” Smith said.
McAfee reportedly makes more than double Smith’s annual salary at ESPN, which Smith has talked openly about in the past. The “First Take” host said on his podcast in 2023 that McAfee “deserves” his reported $17 million annual salary, though he noted that McAfee’s ESPN contract was negotiated multiple years after his was.
It’s not going to come as a surprise to anyone that two polarizing personalities don’t always see eye-to-eye, but the relationship between Smith and McAfee at least seems to be on track after a private blowup that has now turned public.
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