During the latest episode of his podcast Straight Shooter, long-time sports commentator Stephen A. Smith publicly addressed his former ESPN colleagues Michelle Beadle and Cari Champion — after the two women separately took to social media to denounce him. Rather than ignoring their remarks, Smith used his platform to sharply challenge their professional judgement, their past careers and their motives for criticizing him. 

The confrontation began when Beadle — a former host on ESPN programs such as “Sports Nation” and “Get Up” — openly criticized Smith for endorsing the mobile gaming company Papaya Gaming, which is facing federal allegations of rigging games. On her podcast, she said she was “praying for his downfall.”

Smith responded on his SiriusXM show and subsequently on his podcast by accusing critics such as Beadle of attacking him only because they “can’t get a job in the business” or “didn’t do a good enough job when they were in the business.” He labeled them as desperate for attention. “You wanted my attention, you got it,” Smith said. “I have not said a word about [Beadle] in over 11 years… I don’t know her.” 

Champion then joined the fray when she reposted Beadle’s comments and added her own remarks about Smith’s past coverage, including the controversial Ray Rice incident in 2014. Champion said:

“I’m old enough to remember being on that show [‘First Take’] and getting in trouble based on some comments you said about women… Ray Rice comes to mind…”
“Do you have that same smoke for her that you have for … me and Jemele Hill?” 

Smith’s reaction to Champion’s remarks was particularly pointed. He claimed that he was instrumental in her hiring at “First Take,” said he had only shown her support, and challenged her to provide evidence that he had ever publicly criticised her. He accused her of attacking him for attention, and stated bluntly, “You should be ashamed of yourself.” 

This latest outburst appears to be part of a long-running and compounding conflict. Beadle and Smith have a documented history — for instance, in 2014 Beadle publicly condemned Smith’s comments on domestic violence following the Ray Rice case. Meanwhile, Champion worked alongside Smith from 2012-2015 as moderator on “First Take” and later said she felt his commentary lacked equivalent scrutiny when directed at certain demographics. 

In broader context, Smith’s endorsement deal with Papaya Gaming and his elevation to an ambassador role for a high-profile game tournament has triggered fresh scrutiny over his judgment and brand associations — scrutiny which Beadle amplified in her remarks. 

In sum, what might at first glance appear to be a typical media spat has deeper roots: decades of industry relationships, unresolved professional grievances, and now a high-profile public blow-up involving three major sports-media personalities. Smith’s willingness to answer both Beadle and Champion — and with such intensity — signals that this matter may continue to reverberate.