Stephen A Smith in pink suitStephen A Smith (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Fans want Courtney Cronin to remain on as the host of ESPN’s ‘First Take’ following recent appearances on the show.

Cronin has been filling in for Stephen A Smith lately and has struck a chord with viewers as she has put her football knowledge on display.

While she’s unlikely to replace Smith, even if that’s what fans might want, there’s always the possibility of her having more time on the air, which should be satisfactory enough.

“Going to scream this on my deathbed but Andraya Carter should be a NBA lead for ESPN and Courtney Cronin for the NFL,” a user posted to X/Twitter. “Ball knowers should not be treated like second class while buffoons yelling s*** with no substance get promoted.”

“You’re my new favorite Courtney!!!” said another.

Time will tell whether ESPN hears the fanbase, but it appears Courtney Cronin has given an excellent account of herself while holding on for Stephen A Smith.

A reporter for the Chicago Bears, Cronin joined ESPN in 2017. She previously covered the Minnesota Vikings and worked as a radio host, but she switched to covering the Bears in 2022.

 

So Where Is Stephen A Smith?

Stephen A Smith is on vacation, but he is actively negotiating a new contract with The Worldwide Leader in Sports.

The outspoken analyst could be in line for a new four-year deal that would pay him up to $25 million a year and make him the company’s first $100 million television talent.

‘First Take’ his main gig, appears to be in great hands, and not just because Cronin is around now. Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has become one of the network’s biggest draws, while the likes of Molly Qerim, Chris Russo, Ryan Clark, and Kendrick Perkins are all ESPN stars in their own right.

Still, whether Cronin sticks around after Stephen A. returns remains to be seen.

Stephen A Smith Accused Of Using Pat McAfee To Make Himself Look Better As He Tries To Secure A New ESPN Deal

Stephen A. Smith points and Pat McAfee looks on in a Cowboys hat.Stephen A. Smith & Pat McAfee (Photos via Getty Images)
Stephen A Smith is looking to secure a huge bag from ESPN next year, and it’s been claimed that he’s using Pat McAfee to help his cause.

Smith is currently on a deal that pays him $12 million a year, which is set to expire next July. According to reports, he’s in line for a significant raise and could earn up to $25 million a year as he’s been keen on becoming the highest-paid personality at The Worldwide Leader in Sports.

Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports has reported that the ‘First Take’ host is playing the role of the obedient child at the network while McAfee continues to be the delinquent bad boy.

Stephen A Smith Is Using Pat McAfee’s Antics To His Advantage

McCarthy cites an anonymous television insider who claims Stephen A. is taking advantage of McCarthy’s prickly relationship with the bosses at ESPN, doing his best to be seen as a team player.

 

“I’ve got to give Stephen A. credit,” the source told McCarthy. “He’s used that McAfee is such a bad team player to his own advantage. 

“He brings on only ESPN people; McAfee brings on Shams [Charania]. That’s the kind of thing Stephen A. Smith would never do. He lets Pat McAfee frustrate the ESPN executives so much, they’re like, ‘F*** it. Stephen A. is a good team player.’”

Stephen A Smith is just as outspoken as McAfee, though he won’t go as far as calling someone a “white b****” on live television. But he knows how to toe the line.