If you’ve been wanting to take on ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the First Take host is ready to provide viewers with that opportunity. Smith wants his audience to participate more actively in the show and debate with him, as he mentioned in a recent Facebook Live video that he posted.
“If it’s relevant, were going to hit it. But I’ve got news for you — you’re going to hit it too. I’ll tell you why in the days to come. But be forewarned ladies and gentleman. ‘First Take’ ain’t just about me. It ain’t just about Molly. It ain’t just about Max. It’s about you too. I’m going to get the audience directly involved. Our viewers will be directly involved. My listeners on my SiriusXM Mad Dog radio show, that comes on every day weekday from 1 to 3 p.m., are going to be involved. I’m going to explain to you how in the days to come.”
Here is the full video, which Smith recorded just before Max Kellerman joined First Take as co-host on July 25 and declared that it was “my reign” with Skip Bayless off to Fox Sports. The quoted remarks above are at the 6:25 mark.
Stephen A. Smith – Timeline | Facebook
It’s Time! The New Era of ESPN First Take — Buckle Up!
The latest
“All of you out there chit-chattering and talking and running off at the mouth and acting like you can deal with me? You’re about to find out. You just might get your chance. I will explain in the days and the weeks to come. Stay tuned. You don’t want to miss it. I’m coming. I’m coming for you all.”
Smith said more details would be revealed “in the days to come,” but that was nearly two weeks ago. As Sporting News‘ Michael McCarthy points out, letting viewers and fans take part in the show — whether they’re invited to the First Take studios or call in — might not be something ESPN prefers to deal with. Emails, texts or tweets might be a different story, since that content can be controlled more easily.
However, McCarthy’s sources tell him network executives aren’t ready to buy into this idea yet. Producers have enough to address already with working Kellerman into the show and ensuring a smooth transition to the new on-air pairing. Integrating viewers into the show might help First Take stand out from the other debate shows on ESPN, along with Fox Sports 1 (including Bayless’ new program). But does ESPN want to introduce a sports talk radio element into the show, even if that’s what it host is boasting?
Comments are closed.