Presidential Hopeful Embarrasses Himself—Stephen A. Smith Eviscerates Him on ‘First Take’

Stephen  A. Smith is facing heavy backlash after a fiery on-air rant during Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take. The outspoken analyst sharply attacked former NFL MVP Cam Newton and rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and viewers were quick to call it “insufferable” and “performative.”

Smith’s comments came amid a brewing feud between Newton and Maye. Newton had publicly criticized the Patriots’ recent success, calling their roster “fool’s gold” and accusing them of padding their wins with weak competition. Maye fired back, dismissing Newton’s opinion and insisting that only his own organization’s viewpoint matters. (The Spun)

Stephen A. Smith Goes on the Attack

During the broadcast, Smith questioned Maye’s stance and accused him of lying:

“He’s a liar … First Take is the number one morning show 13 years and counting. Don’t tell me you a[n] athlete and you don’t know that … Don’t tell me you a[n] athlete and you don’t know that Cam Newton is on this show.” The Spun

Smith’s delivery was intense — characteristic but unusually personal. He didn’t just challenge Maye’s comments; he challenged his credibility, suggesting Maye should have known better than to question Newton’s presence and relevance. The Spun

Social Media Erupts — Viewers Are Not Impressed

The reaction from First Take viewers was swift and brutal:

• “This is genuinely one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen on ESPN,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. (The Spun)
• Another said, “Performative ignorance and rehearsed shouting matches add nothing to sports coverage. Who is their audience?”
• A third summed it up simply: “Insufferable television.”

The sentiment expressed by many viewers is that Smith may be leaning too far into theatrics, using hyperbole to build controversy rather than meaningful dialogue.

Smith’s Reputation Under Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time Smith’s style has come under fire. Known for his brash, shouting-his-point approach, he often divides audiences — some admire his passion and commentary, while others decry what they see as performative rage.

One Reddit thread summarized a common critique:

“He plays a character whose only job is to argue against someone else’s opinion … He’s one of several reasons I only watch ESPN when there is a game.” Reddit

Still, Smith remains one of ESPN’s highest-profile personalities. Earlier this year, he secured a reported five-year, $100 million contract extension — a deal that was widely reported and demonstrates the network’s continued investment in him.

What’s at Stake: Credibility vs. Drama

Smith’s latest tirade raises important questions:

• Is Smith prioritizing drama over substance? Critics say his aggressive style might be undermining meaningful commentary.
• Can he maintain credibility? Repeated outbursts like this risk alienating viewers who tune in for analysis, not shouting.
• What’s ESPN’s role? The network has benefitted from Smith’s larger-than-life personality — but at what cost?

His comments about Maye and Newton may have sparked debate, but the backlash suggests that for many, the delivery was more off-putting than insightful.

Final Take

Stephen A. Smith’s “First Take” performance this week may have been headline-grabbing — but not in a good way. When passionate analysis tips into theatrical confrontation, viewers notice. And right now, a sizeable portion of his audience is asking: Is the show about sports discussion, or about Stephen A.?

Whether he intended to call out Maye’s credibility or deliver a shocking moment, he’s done both — and left more people rolling their eyes than nodding in agreement.