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Shannon Sharpe To Join “First Take,” Start Date Revealed

August 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A day after revealing that he was taking Club Shay Shay to The Volume, it was announced that ESPN has also landed Shannon Sharpe. The NFL Hall of Famer will begin appearing on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith on September 4, three days before the new NFL season kicks off. The news led the top of the August 24 episode of First Take, with Smith proudly announcing that he had got his guy.

Smith has been gunning for Sharpe ever since the latter left FS1 in June. However, it’s an interesting choice to bring Sharpe to First Take. He reportedly left Undisputed due to a growing rift with Skip Bayless, especially over some of the opinions Bayless held. Meanwhile, Smith definitely isn’t on the same level Bayless but, as we’ll discuss in a moment, has been on a string of buckwild takes as of late. However, Sharpe did just link up with a guy who appeared to forget that Dwayne Haskins was dead so who’s to say.

Will Smith Be Around To Debate Sharpe?

ESPN and Smith appear happy now, giving the veteran broadcaster a fiery personality to debate with. But is Smith’s future at ESPN in jeopardy? The day before Sharpe’s First Take debut was announced, Smith performed an egregious violation of journalistic practices. Amid his ongoing beef with Lonzo Ball, Smith revealed that the source of his information about Ball’s injury recovery was Ball’s own medical team.

Many people have pointed out that this is several HIPAA violations in a trenchcoat and that it was shocking that such a seasoned journalist would openly reveal this. While it’s unlikely that ESPN is going to punish their main revenue earner in any notable way, it’s the latest in a string of major Ls for Smith. At the time of writing, ESPN has not responded to HotNewHipHop‘s inquiries about Smith’s comments regarding Ball.

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Stephen A. Smith Goes Scorched Earth On Lonzo Ball: Watch

August 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith is someone who never backs down on his positions, even if they aren’t good ones. You could prove Smith wrong one million times and he still won’t back down. Overall, a lot of fans love this side of him. However, there are just as many people out there who cannot stand when he does this. Ultimately, he is a very polarizing person, and ESPN likes it this way. It means they will always have a steady stream of viewers, whether from haters or fans.

Recently, Smith found himself at odds with Lonzo Ball. In a recent report, he claimed that Lonzo was having trouble getting in and out of chairs. Subsequently, Lonzo took to social media and showcased himself getting up and out of his seat near a pool. This video immediately went viral, and it put Smith’s integrity into question. Today, on First Take, Smith went to defend himself, and as you can imagine, he had a whole lot to say.

Stephen A. Claps Back

“You really going to sit poolside on the bench and think because you getting up and sitting down… that makes you healthy? … Bro, you ain’t healthy,” Smith ranted. Overall, this was easily one of Smith’s more disrespectful rants. He clearly felt embarrassed by Lonzo’s video, and he responded as such. Many fans claimed that his response lacked tact and was utterly disrespectful. Even for Stephen A., this whole thing felt pretty low and beneath him.

Lonzo’s Video

Moreover, the public perception of Lonzo is overwhelmingly positive these days. The fans want to see him back in the league as he is turning into a truly dynamic player. Let us know what you thought of Stephen A.’s response, in the comments section. You can also watch Lonzo’s video, below. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world. We will always keep you informed of the biggest news involving the biggest athletes.

@stephenasmith come to the actual source next time. I’m not hard to reach pic.twitter.com/88xyoB7LTf

— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) August 22, 2023

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Lonzo Ball Debunks Stephen A. Smith’s Claims With Powerful Video

August 23, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lonzo Ball will remain sidelined for the 2023-24 season as he continues to rehab from a torn meniscus he suffered way back in January 2022. It will be the second consecutive season Ball has missed and no one is feeling the weight of that more than Ball himself. In a recent appearance on the From The Point podcast, Ball said he felt bad for the Bulls as they had built the “perfect team” around him before he went down with injury.

With the NBA season around two months away, Ball’s name popped up on First Take as the panel discussed his podcast appearance. “I don’t think he’ll ever be the same… I’ve heard that it’s even hard for him to get up from the sitting position… I’m really, really sad for him,” lamented Stephen A. Smith. While it seemed like a sincere expression of solidarity with Ball, it was not received as such by the injured player. And so Ball took to social media to clap back at the veteran broadcaster.

Balls Tells Smith To “Stop Yapping”

@stephenasmith come to the actual source next time. I’m not hard to reach pic.twitter.com/88xyoB7LTf

— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) August 22, 2023

“Who are your sources, bro? Please, tell me who your sources are,” Ball began his response video, in which he could be seen doing one-leg squats with his injured leg. “Come on man. Come on, man. You got to stop yapping,” Ball continued. “And I actually like you, man! I don’t know you like that but I like you! I’m coming back, man. Come on!” More than anything, the post appears to be more for Ball than Smith. It’s proof that he’s not the injured husk that he has been portrayed as by the media. He is recovering, and he will be back. However, he’s also not the only one calling out Smith this week.

After it was reported that Stefon Diggs had missed the first day of the Bills’ mandatory minicamp, Smith claimed he had sources saying that the wide receiver wanted out of Buffalo. Later that same day, Diggs vehemently rejected any notion that he didn’t want to be in Buffalo. “100% not true. I don’t know who the source is but I thought i nip this shit in the bud already. Rocking wit my dawgs… Bills mafia through and through !!!,” Diggs said in a pair of tweets. Looks like Smith and his team might need to vet their info a little better.

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Stephen A. Smith Slams Reports “Confirming” Shannon Sharpe Joining “First Take”

August 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It seemed as though the Shannon Sharpe saga was at an end on August 17. Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Sharpe would be joining ESPN a little over two months after leaving FS1 and Undisputed. According to Marchand, Sharpe would make twice-weekly appearances on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith while also bringing Club Shay Shay to the network as well.

As also mentioned by Marchand, a return to ESPN would be something of a homecoming for Sharpe. It was his guest appearances on the show when Bayless anchored the broadcast between 2004 and early 2016 that would lead to the creation of Undisputed in late 2016. However, unfortunately for Marchand and The Post, they appear to have missed the mark on this report.

Stephen A. Smith Calls Post Report “A Bit Premature”

Addressing the recent @ShannonSharpe “news” pic.twitter.com/eVe266Ps9d

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 18, 2023

“I have a smile on my face. Beautiful smile on my face. You all know that it’s something that I want, it’s something that I have declared because I respect Shannon, I like him. I think he’d be a tremendous asset to the show, my show, First Take…But my point is that it would be great to have him,” Smith began while addressing The Post‘s “exclusive”. “Here’s the issue, we don’t. Sorry Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, it’s a bit premature. Shannon Sharpe is yet to sign on the dotted line to be a member of First Take. It has not happened yet. I’m still confident that it will happen, I still believe it will happen, I think it needs to happen. And I have doubt that I am going to exhaust every means I have available to me to make it happen.”

So yes, fans of “Unc” who were looking forward to him chewing the fat with Smith might need to wait just a little bit longer. It’s likely accurate to say that ESPN is the frontrunner for Sharpe’s services. However, Smith’s comments are the exact comment that Marchand originally said that ESPN declined to give. Given that Sharpe said he’ll be back for football season, it’s likely that his decision will be announced in the coming weeks. Despite that, for now at least, the Hall of Famer remains a free agent. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

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Mad Dog Gives Scathing Review Of Dalvin Cook Signing With The Jets

August 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The New York Jets added yet another potent offensive weapon this week as they signed free agent running back Dalvin Cook. Between 2019 and 2022, Cook had five consecutive 1100-yard seasons on the ground. Furthermore, he is the Vikings’ third all-time leading rusher, only trailing Adrian Peterson and Robert Smith. However, Cook left the Vikings back in July in a cut that many expected, but few Vikings fans wanted to believe was true. It saved the Vikings a lot of money, despite Cook putting up 1173 yards last season.

Cook is the latest big-name addition for the Jets as they try to build a legitimate contender around their primary offseason acquisition, Aaron Rodgers. However, Cook will likely play backup to sophomore Breece Hall, who the Jets also activated from injured reserve this week. There are legitimate concerns that the Jets are now too stacked, with too much talent and not enough game time to effectively leverage it. However, Robert Salah appears confident that the team can mesh. However, not everyone is a fan of the signing.

Mad Dog Mocks Cook Signing

ESPN‘s Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo was especially critical of the signing. “He’s got so much baggage,” the veteran pundit began, “There is a lot of baggage with this guy. Nobody else wanted him. The Vikings let him go, Miami didn’t sign him.” While his fellow pundits were taken about by his claims, Mad Dog stayed vigilant, “How much has Minnesota won? You don’t need running backs. Plus, this creates expectations for the Jets. The Jets fans thought they were going to be great anyways. Now you bring Cook in. Did they need Dalvin Cook to be good?”

Mad Dog’s argument is pretty weak. The Jets got a versatile running back for less than $10 million on a one-year contract, which is crucial given that Breece Hall, the RB1, is coming back from injury. Furthermore, they need that extra veteran presence on a team that is getting consistently younger year on year. For all the experienced talent the Jets are bringing in, a lot of their players are newer to the league. Cook brings good numbers – he out-rushed the Jets’ three top running backs in 2022 combined – and he brings that veteran experience. There is very little that the Cook signing does to hurt the Jets, even if it could be viewed as superfluous.

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Stephen A. Smith Reveals Kyrie Irving Confronted Him Over Issues With His Father

August 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith has had his fair share of criticism for Kyrie Irving. Over the past few years, Smith has been particularly hard on Kyrie. Although, most of the criticisms are actually quite fair. Overall, Smith just wants to watch the man play basketball. Unfortunately, there are just so many antics that Irving gets himself wrapped into that make it hard for him to actually get on the court. That said, he was good with the Dallas Mavericks, and Mark Cuban is hoping he remains available.

As for Smith and Kyrie, the former got to talk about their relationship on Podcast P with Paul George. During the interview, Smith actually made some huge revelations about Kyrie and the behind-the-scenes happenings that took place. Essentially, Stephen A. found himself at odds with Kyrie’s father. The elder Irving was texting Smith in a way that the latter deemed disrespectful. Things subsequently escalated on the air with Smith increasing his criticisms of Kyrie.

Stephen A. Speaks

However, during the NBA Playoffs, Kyrie appeared at a Lakers game that Stephen A. was also attending. Kyrie confronted Smith and noted that the comments Smith was making were no longer about him. The First Take host had an epiphany and realized just how wrong he was about the whole situation. This prompted Smith to resolve his issues with Irving’s father. Moreover, it made him reflect on how it was the son who had to tell two older men to grow up. Needless to say, it was a very humbling experience, all around.

Smith’s interview with Paul George was illuminating for numerous reasons. However, it was his humility that a lot of people took note of. It is clear that Smith lets his on-air persona get the best of him sometimes, and this was definitely an example of that. Hopefully, he learns from the situation and is able to move on peacefully. Let us know what you think of this revelation, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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Kendrick Perkins Claims Kobe Bryant’s Comeback From Rape Allegations Gave Him “Best Story In NBA History”

July 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In July 2003, a 19-year-old woman accused Lakers star Kobe Bryant of sexual assault. She alleged that Bryant had raped her in his hotel room at The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, Colorado. Bryant’s accuser, whose identity was later leaked to the media, worked at the hotel. Bryant initially denied that he had had sex with the woman. However, the discovery of physical evidence led him to change his story. Instead, Bryant claimed that he had consensual intercourse with the woman. After an arrest warrant was issued for Bryant, he surrendered to police in Colorado. Subsequently, he was formally charged with sexual assault.

The case was front-page news for months, with Bryant’s legal team painting his accuser as a promiscuous, mentally ill individual. Furthermore, multiple outlets leaked the woman’s identity, leading to her receiving death threats and other hate mail. The legal saga ended when the woman refused to testify at the trial, leading to the charges being dismissed. The following day, Bryant released an apology in which he denied that he had raped the woman. However, somewhat bizarrely, he said he understood how “how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter.”

Kendrick Perkins References Rape Allegations While Hyping Kobe

Speaking on First Take in July 2023, Kendrick Perkins argued that the rape allegations, and Kobe’s subsequent bounce-back, gave the late Laker the greatest story in the NBA. “When it comes down to Kob winning three NBA championships with Shaq, Kobe was at his highest. I’m talking about when he was with Adidas, all of us had the 8s, the Kobs on our feet, rocking the Adidas,” Kendrick Perkins said. “And all of a sudden, Kob was dealing with the situation in Denver. And most people, when dealing with something when your livelihood is on the line, I wouldn’t have showed up to work, not to that capacity.”

He continued. “Kobe was still showing up to work and giving people that work on the floor, giving people straight buckets. Throughout that period he had lost endorsements, hundreds of millions of dollars, he was getting booed in every arena. He basically had to start from the bottom and work his way back to the top, and he did that in great fashion. As far as getting back his endorsements, as far as building back his reputation as one of the best players in the game, winning two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, the list goes on.”

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Stephen A. Smith Reacts To ESPN Layoffs

July 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most bulletproof people at ESPN. Overall, he is someone who has singlehandedly helped keep the platform afloat. First Take is one of the best shows on the network, and it will continue to be. However, if you have been paying attention, you know that the network had a whole bunch of layoffs recently. This led to the termination of people like Jalen Rose and even Max Kellerman. Of course, Kellerman used to be a co-host on First Take before being kicked off the show.

Yesterday, Stephen A. took to his podcast where he spoke on these layoffs. In the clips below, you can see Smith address Kellerman directly. Smith acknowledges that he was the one who didn’t want to work with Kellerman on a debate show anymore. Although, he did say that he wants to help Kellerman in the future. From there, he spoke on Jalen Rose and Jeff Van Gundy, whom he believes deserve a whole lot better.

Stephen A. Speaks Out

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“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent. Friends of mine actually, definitely respected colleagues, who had done phenomenal jobs and deserved better. They deserved better than the times we are living in,” Stephen A. said. “To see Jalen Rose gone, my brother. I have got a lot of love for that brother, a lot of the great work he has done over the years, and what he has represented for the company. He is a brilliant basketball mind and somebody that worked his a** off all the time.”

Overall, these layoffs had been expected for a very long time. That said, it should come as no surprise that so many people were let go. Hopefully, they are able to land on their feet in due time. It’s a tough time to be in sports media, and these layoffs are living proof. Let us know your thoughts on the situation, in the comments section below.

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Stephen A. Smith Says He’s “Shocked” No One Has Asked Him To Throw A First Pitch

June 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On June 20, presumptive first pick in the NBA Draft Victor Wembanyama went viral after hilariously throwing a terrible first pitch at a New York Yankees game. The 7″2 French wonderkid sent the ball wide left, with the pitch barely clipping the batter’s box. While by no means the worst first pitch in history, it definitely wasn’t great.

The ceremonial first pitch has been a tradition in baseball for over a century. However, it was Ronald Reagan who turned it into the spectacle it is today. Before Reagan’s unscheduled pitch at an Orioles game in 1984, the first pitch was thrown from the stands onto the field. Now, it’s a whole ceremony in itself, with the guest throwing from the pitcher’s mound to home plate. And one person who would love to do it is the broadcasting legend himself, Stephen A. Smith.

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Stephen A. Wants To Throw The First Pitch

While discussing Wembanyama’s first pitch on First Take, Smith was asked if he has ever thrown the first pitch. “No [and] you know what? I’m shocked that they haven’t invited me,” Smith began. “Not only would I do a first pitch, I would sing Take Me Out To The Ballgame at a Chicago Cubs game. Only thing I wouldn’t do is go to Boston and sing. I can’t do that because they’re the enemy, I’m a Yankees guy.”

Read More: Brandon Miller reveals his surprising pick for basketball GOAT

When asked if he was sure he wanted to do the first pitch, Smith doubled down. “I am. And not only would I throw out the first pitch, I would throw a strike.” It’s a bold and hilarious claim from Smith, whose reservoirs of confidence never cease to amaze. It’s just the latest in a line of memorable moments from Smith this week. Elsewhere, he had something of a meltdown while expressing his displeasure with Julius Randle. Meanwhile, he made his thoughts on Ron DeSantis very clear. It’s fair to say that Smith’s daily antics bring us all a little bit of sunshine.

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Stephen A. Smith Is Disgusted With Julius Randle

June 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Stephen A. Smith has always been a huge fan of the New York Knicks. Overall, the Knicks are one of the most historic teams in the entire NBA. However, they haven’t actually won anything since all the way back in 1973. Of course, the fans are not happy with this reality, and Smith is one of the people on the frontlines, holding the franchise accountable. Luckily, the team has been better in recent years. Although, they still haven’t been able to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Today, Stephen A. and the First Take crew discussed the Knicks and their power forward, Julius Randle. While speaking to Paul George, Randle claimed that the Knicks are not that far from truly competing for a championship. Overall, this rubbed Smith the wrong way. In his mind, this is just a ridiculous thing to say given their performance against the Heat. Additionally, Randle has been a no-show in the playoffs, as his stats always take a hit.

Stephen A. Sounds Off

“Come postseason time, you know, put a taller defender on him, contest his shots, he’s going to dribble too much, he’s gon’ force shots he don’t need to force,” Smith said. “And he’s not going to be nearly as effective during the postseason as he is in the regular season. You know this is coming. You can’t learn to use your right hand? Is it that much for me to ask that you can become a bit ambidextrous, that you can remember that God gave you two hands and two arms? That you don’t actually have to always use your left?”

Ultimately, this was yet another epic rant from the likes of Stephen A. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of some of his sanity. He just wants the Knicks to be good, but it just hasn’t happened. Hopefully, Smith can see them win at least another championship in this next decade. Otherwise, the rants will continue to be plentiful.

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