Stephen A. Smith tells Dan Le Batard he understands ESPN’s “stick to sports” mandate
"I’m looking at the big picture...Let’s not blow it because we want to express ourselves."
"I’m looking at the big picture...Let’s not blow it because we want to express ourselves."
He may have left money on the table, but Adam Schefter seems content with the decision for different reasons.
"ESPN+ is the centerpiece. It is the jewel. ...That exclusivity really helps drive audience. As we move forward we are going to keep acquiring more rights for ESPN+."
That stock bump today might be a tough data point to ignore now, though.
Like many other media companies, we've oftentimes struggled but I do believe that we've put the right people on these assignments."
"We respect and acknowledge there are a variety of feelings about what happened and the actions we took. The details of what took place last year are confidential, nuanced and complicated personnel matters."
"When the league is ready, we're interested in having that conversation with them."
A recent incident involving broadcaster Dave Lamont highlighted tensions at the network.
Rita Ferro and Justin Connolly previously reported to Mayer; they'll now report to Pitaro and Peter Rice.
Four years after its launch, The Undefeated is set for a further expansion, and EIC and senior vice president Kevin Merida will now report directly to ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro.
"If Le Batard feels the need to address a political issue in the future, he will check with higher-ups."
Le Batard is set to return to a regular radio schedule next week.