Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe both addressed comments made by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler during their College Football Playoff broadcast on “First Take”. While Smith was more measured in his response, Sharpe made it clear that he would not tolerate any negative comments about the show, threatening to speak out regardless of how many ESPN bosses he had to go through. The comments made by Herbstreit and Fowler were regarding Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day, with Smith accusing them of misquoting him about calling for Day to be fired. Smith clarified that he had made the comments and not “First Take”, reiterating his position that if Day doesn’t win a national championship, he should be let go.
During the Buckeyes’ victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, Herbstreit discussed the criticism Day had faced from some fans and brought up “First Take” in his commentary. He mentioned that the show had tried to get Day fired and were looking for replacements, despite Day’s success. This reference to “First Take” by Herbstreit, who works for the same network, caught the attention of Smith and Sharpe. Their response was swift, with Smith stating that the comment was not true and that he had been the one to make the remarks about Day’s potential firing based on his performance.
Herbstreit’s comments on the broadcast were seen as provocative, given that he referenced a show within his own network and suggested that they had wanted Day fired. This led to a strong reaction from Smith and Sharpe, who made it clear that they would not allow such comments about “First Take” to go unchallenged. Despite being colleagues, Smith and Sharpe were prepared to defend the show and their commentary on sports topics, even if it meant confronting other ESPN personalities. This incident highlighted the competitiveness within the sports media industry and the need for clear communication to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Smith and Sharpe’s responses to Herbstreit and Fowler’s comments showcased their loyalty to “First Take” and their commitment to holding themselves and their colleagues accountable for their remarks. Sharpe’s warning that he would not hesitate to speak out against anyone who criticized the show underscored the importance of mutual respect and professionalism among ESPN employees. As the incident unfolded live on air, viewers got a glimpse of the intense rivalry and passion that exists in the world of sports commentary, where personalities often clash over differing opinions and interpretations of events. The incident served as a reminder of the need for clear communication and careful consideration of one’s words when discussing sensitive topics in the public eye.
In conclusion, the response by Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe to Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler’s comments about “First Take” demonstrated the importance of mutual respect and integrity in sports media. By defending the show and clarifying the remarks made about Ryan Day, Smith and Sharpe showed their loyalty to their platform and their commitment to upholding the standards of professionalism. The incident highlighted the competitive nature of sports commentary and the need for clear communication to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts among colleagues. Ultimately, the exchange served as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a public figure in the sports media industry.
