Overview
- On Monday’s Straight Shooter podcast, Smith rebuked former First Take moderator Cari Champion, telling her, “You should be ashamed of yourself.”
- Smith said he helped bring Champion to First Take and claimed credit for broadening the show’s guest diversity, asserting he has long supported her and other Black colleagues.
- Champion had posted a video recalling Smith’s 2014 suspension after comments tied to the Ray Rice case and questioned whether he keeps the same energy for Michelle Beadle, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Michelle Obama, and Jemele Hill.
- Addressing Beadle, Smith said he does not know her personally as she criticized his role endorsing Papaya Gaming, which faces a federal lawsuit alleging rigged games, and he insisted she has targeted him for years.
- Smith questioned Champion’s motives, suggesting she sought attention and noting he once helped arrange a meeting about her potential return to ESPN.