STEPHEN A. Smith’s wage demands have seen tensions on First Take soar to “an all-time” high, sources have told The U.S. Sun.

Two production team members have given an insight into the problems caused by Smith pushing for a record new ESPN contract, and the behavior of fellow co-host Shannon Sharpe.

4

Stephen A. Smith is currently negotiating a new ESPN contract which could make him one of the network’s highest earnersCredit: Wise Owl – Commissioned by The US Sun Digital edition

4

Two First Take insiders have told The U.S. Sun about tensions in the ranks allegedly caused by Stephen A. Smith and Shannon SharpeCredit: ESPN/ First Take

Molly Qerim, Shannon Sharpe, and Stephen A. Smith have all helped boost First Take’s popularityCredit: Instagram/MollyQerim
According to one of the insiders, Smith, whose current deal expires in 2025, wants around $25 million, making him the highest-paid pundit on the network.

MASSIVE ISSUES

But Smith and Sharpe’s attitude is allegedly causing problems.

“It’s a very frustrating situation,” a First Take insider told The U.S. Sun.
“Stephen and Shannon think that the show is them and nobody else is as important.”

Reports have suggested the 56-year-old recently snubbed an initial offer of a bumper five-year, $90 million contract.

But he’s holding out for $7 million more – eclipsing Monday Night Football top earners Troy Aikman and Joe Buck – much to the dismay of many people behind the scenes.

Three-time Super Bowl winner Sharpe, who stars on the show alongside Molly Querim and Smith, recently secured a new, multi-year deal having only joined First Take last August following an acrimonious split from Fox.

HEAVY CUTS

He publicly showed appreciation to Smith on-air for help in securing a longer term agreement, stressing “even if I had 1,000 tongues I couldn’t thank you enough for what you did for me when I was at my lowest.”

ESPN went through several rounds of lay-offs in 2023, with established talents like Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson all leaving.

They aren’t afraid of rewarding their star performers though – Pat McAfee reportedly bagged an $85 million, five-year deal to bring his hit show to the network last May.

Smith told The U.S. Sun last November about plans to diversify his career with his new production company based in New Jersey.

‘Why would you do that?’ Stephen A. Smith fumes at Kelly Stafford after her revelation about sleeping with backup QB
He hopes to produce more sporting content, as well as delving into politics, entertainment, and pop culture.

Yet the motor-mouthed host is holding out for more money and wants buddy Sharpe to cash in too.

He’s created, according to our insider, a “two man band against the world” which has left other crew members “really mad.”

“Some have told the board about the problems,” the source, who works as a journalist on First Take, admitted.

“Many people are looking for jobs elsewhere or on different shows. The work vibe isn’t the best.”

He added some staff feel ignored by Smith and Sharpe, while the on-screen treatment of JJ Redick has fanned the flames of discontent.

Stepehn A. Smith’s journey through the media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.

Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.

DIRE SITUATION

First Take remains one of ESPN’s biggest rating winners, but a production staff member feels that the top talent “disrespecting” others and causing problems, isn’t helping anyone.

“Smith and Sharpe are doing whatever they want,” said the staffer who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It’s frustrating for all of us who work our asses off.”

“Shannon had his extension deal, and it’s good for him, but you can really see that both of them care about their deals more than about their coworkers and colleagues,” continued the source.

“The situation has to change soon, or it will turn into an impossible situation to deal with. I used to enjoy going to work, but right now, I wake up in the morning not wanting to go in. It’s pretty much team Smith and Sharpe against everybody else.”

First Take did not have a comment when The U.S. Sun asked about the claims of tension.

Stephen A. versus Monica McNutt

Stephen A. Smith had a run in with Monica McNutt on First Take about women’s basketball this week.

Smith said that he didn’t like how he needed to “watch every syllable” when talking about the WNBA, but McNutt wasn’t happy with his statement.

“Welcome to the world of being a woman, Stephen A,” she said.

“How you have to dance about your word choice and how you have to please everybody and anybody as you navigate your being.”

 Stephen A. gave a comment that really fired McNutt up.

“Who talks more about the WNBA, who talks about women’s sports more than First Take?” Stephen A. said.

McNutt clearly was irked by his question and set the record straight on live TV.

“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to,” McNutt said.

Molly Qerim and Shannon Sharpe both looked stunned, and Qerim tried to get the show to a commercial break, but the awkward moment continued.

After Stephen A. muttered “wow,” McNutt gave him a reassurance that she thinks he could have done more.

“You’re my guy,” McNutt said.

“But I’m talking to you.”

“You’re my girl,” Smith replied.

“But you’ve missed a lot of episodes of First Take.”

4

Shannon Sharpe recently penned a new ESPN dealCredit: ESPN/ First Take