ESPN has significantly increased Stephen A. Smith‘s authority, and fans are giddy over the network’s most recent power grab. There is a lot of conjecture about ESPN’s decision to bring former NFL cornerback Jason McCourty onto the team. Is this a part of a bigger scheme to keep their biggest star, Smith, firmly in their corner?
Officially official…
Grew up with my tv locked on ESPN now you guys will see my pearly whites on there! pic.twitter.com/7PZ5XWhFyT
— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) September 3, 2024
For those who don’t know, Smith and the massive sports media company are now deep in contract negotiations when McCourty joins the team. Rumor has it that McCourty’s signing is ESPN’s attempt to bolster Smith’s already-dominant presence, and some fans are certain this is no accident.
It’s all about keeping First Take’s Stephen A. Smith happy
ESPN is reportedly making every effort to keep Smith in place, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. According to a source who spoke with the US Sun, “it’s another power play, solidifying Stephen A. Smith’s circle of influence at the network.” ESPN appears to be acting to maintain their star’s brightness as well as for the sake of the ratings.
Regarding star power, McCourty is hardly a coincidental selection. Fans have already drawn comparisons between this action and the incident involving Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless on FS1 last year. By appointing McCourty as a pivotal figure in Smith’s expanding business, ESPN may be attempting to avert a similar collapse.
