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Stephen A. Smith          

Sports Journalist, Analyst & Talk Show Host Known for "First Take"

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent sports commentator and executive producer on ESPN's "First Take," engaging in daily discussions and debates on sports topics . He also serves as an analyst on "NBA Countdown," the longstanding NBA pregame show on ESPN and ABC, and hosts "NBA in Stephen A's World", an alternate presentation for select ESPN NBA games. As the co-executive producer of these shows through Mr. SAS Productions, a company he co-owns with ESPN and Omaha Productions, Smith has been an integral part of the network's studio programming, leading various "SportsCenter" specials since 2018.

Smith is also the author of "Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes," which became a New York Times bestseller. Additionally, he launched the podcast "K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith," providing insightful analysis on current events across politics, entertainment, social issues, business, and more.

Smith's broadcasting career dates back to 2003 when he joined ESPN as an analyst for "NBA Shootaround." A former general sports columnist with the Philadelphia Inquirer, his journey began after receiving a basketball scholarship to Winston-Salem State University, an historically black university. Smith is an active participant in HBCU Week, serving as an ambassador for the event.

Speech Topics


Ethics, On the Field & Off

What is the right thing to do when the lines of ethics are increasingly blurred? Being the best and having more power and money enables those on the way up to be filled with praise, big paydays, and role-model status. But the headlines are filled with fall-from-grace storylines all the time. Is there a new model for success, or do we just have more access to information?

From sportsmanship to gambling, steroid use to point shaving, sports journalist Stephen A. Smith has seen and covered a wide spectrum of ethical issues both on the field and off... and interviewed a lot of the major players. He uses this unique insight to offer perspective on today's current events, politics, and youth. This engaging presentation will make you think and feel about ethical decisions in a new way.

The Road to Great Leadership

Stephen A. Smith's career has allowed him to be up close and personal with great leaders, and he has learned firsthand and through interviews about the trials and tribulations on the road to great leadership. Leadership is now more important than ever, and Smith's anecdotes will enthrall, entertain, and educate as he talks about goal setting, motivation, tough decision making, and inspiration.

Adversity: Keep Your Head in the Game!

From heart-wrenching defeats to capturing glory, rarely is anyone faced with adversity more than the modern-day athlete. True champions have learned not only to overcome their adversities, but to use them as a tool. From his roots in Hollis to covering some of the biggest names on planet Earth, keynote speaker Stephen A. Smith uses his life experiences and sports-as-life references to offer his perspective on how to keep your head in the game using courage, determination, and patience so you too can use adversity to your benefit.

News


ESPN, The Undefeated air North Carolina Central basketball ...
A documentary on the NC Central Eagles is an example of the original content. ... with executive produced Chris Paul, Stephen A. Smith HBCU documentary.

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