STEPHEN A SMITH

Stephen A Smith Melted Down On ‘First Take’ Over His Rihanna Controversy

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First Take

Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to people getting mad at him. Having said that, Smith learned this week that Dallas Cowboys fans tweeting their displeasure at him for saying the team will choke in the postseason has nothing on Rihanna fans getting mad at him for what he, assuredly, thought was a throwaway line on Sherri.

“I don’t wanna say I’m not excited,” Smith said. “She’s fantastic. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new-momma-hood. There’s one thing she’s not. She ain’t Beyoncé.”

Smith issued an apology over the whole thing, but it led to him getting repeatedly dragged, both on Twitter and, on Thursday night, by Leslie Jones as she guest hosted The Daily Show. Fast forward to Friday morning and Smith addressed the whole thing on First Take by having a bit of a meltdown.

“It’s ridiculous,” Smith said. “This is the controversy here. All the stuff going on in the world, I’m being accused of Black-on-Black crime, because I happen to like one artist more than another. I mean, you got to be kidding me! I mean, handcuff me now! Put it behind my damn back! Y’all gotta be kidding me … Leslie Jones, I love you! Damn, I couldn’t wait to watch you on Comedy Central and she calling me out! Why?”

Smith went on to say that “I apologize to Rihanna, because this nonsense was not my intent. It was not necessary, it was all done in fun, me debating with Sherri Shepherd for fun, just having laughs. That’s all. Rihanna’s phenomenal, she’s fantastic.”

Stephen A. Smith Hits Dak Prescott With A Huge Challenge

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Stephen A. Smith is someone who has always sought to humble the Dallas Cowboys. Even when the team is playing some of its best football, you can count on Stephen A. to rain on their parade. However, he does make sure to give them props when they deserve them.

Overall, the Cowboys have yet to really make a splash in the postseason since the arrival of Dak Prescott. They have never gotten past the Division Round, and at this point, fans are starting to grow impatient. This is especially true now that the Cowboys have the San Francisco 49ers in front of them.

Stephen A. Smith speaks onstage during “In Conversation with Fat Joe” at The Apollo Theater on November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/Getty Images)

Stephen A. Speaks

Today on First Take, Stephen A. spoke about the Cowboys and Dak Prescott in particular. During the segment, he claimed that Prescott has immense pressure heading into the match against the 49ers. Below, you will see what he means by this, while also challenging Prescott to rise to the occasion.

“I have been told that the San Francisco 49ers are on a significantly higher level than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Smith said. “The challenge that Dak Prescott faced Monday night is nothing compared to what he’s going to face this weekend. If he fails, it will remind us that there are levels to this and Dak Prescott just ain’t on it as of yet.”

The 49ers have had one of the best defenses in football, all season long. However, the Cowboys also have an amazing defensive unit, which means there is a good chance that they can win the game. Not to mention, 49ers rookie QB Brock Purdy has made some mistakes, and if the Cowboys capitalize on this, we could see an upset.

Let us know who you think is going to win this NFC Divisional Matchup, in the comments section down below.

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Leslie Jones Went Off On Stephen A. Smith For Slandering Rihanna: ‘You Need To Act Like Your Hairline And Back The F**k Off’

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On Monday, Stephen A. Smith probably thought the lowest point in his career was having to publicly clarify that he has never had his ass eaten after insinuating as much while appearing on Jake Paul’s sports show (though most people would have stopped short of “appearing on Jake Paul’s sports show”). But that was before the fiery ESPN host messed with the Rihanna Navy — with Leslie Jones as their leader.

Jones guest-hosted Thursday’s episode of The Daily Show, where she called out Smith for his rather unenthusiastic response to the news that Rihanna will play this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. While appearing as a guest on Sherri, host Sherri Shepherd asked Smith whether he was excited that Riri would be performing at this year’s Super Bowl. His response was… disappointing.

“I don’t want to say I’m not excited. She’s fantastic,” Smith explained… then unfortunately added: “There’s one thing she’s not: She ain’t Beyoncé.”

Jones was NOT having it:

DUDE! NO! Why would you do this to yourself? You know what, Stephen A. Smith? You need to act like your hairline and back the f*** off!

Now, the good news is that he did apologize. The bad news is his apology.

Smith posted a video, which seemed to be shot in the back of an empty party bus, where he addressed Rihanna directly to let her know that she’s a “superstar” and “sensational.” Then came his sign-off: “Good luck, sweetie. Looking forward to see you perform.”

That’s when Jones lost it again: “Oh how DARE you call Rihanna ‘sweetie’! You calling her ‘sweetie’ like you know her. She don’t know you. But you know who she does know? Beyoncé!”

You can watch the full clip above.

Stephen A. Smith Hilariously Yelled At By An Irate Chris Russo

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Stephen A. Smith is easily one of the most recognizable faces on sports talk television. He is someone who is respected by his peers over at ESPN, and he is always entertaining. Although some fans might find his takes to be nauseating, you cannot deny his impact.

As we have previously reported, Smith is currently promoting his brand-new book called Straight Shooter. This is an autobiography in which he details his childhood and his subsequent rise to fame. Overall, it is a very interesting book from the television star.

Stephen A. Smith attends Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” Premiere Event at Hollywood Athletic Club on December 07, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/WireImage)

Stephen A. Gets A Talking TO

Hilariously, not everyone is a fan of Smith’s book tour, which he launched as a way to promote the autobiography. One such detractor is his very own co-worker, Chris Russo. On yesterday’s First Take, Russo laced into Smith, telling him that he needs to stop cutting work for media appearances.

“Get your rear end in that chair,” Russo yelled. “I want you here every day at nine o’clock in the morning, not getting here at five after 10, not leaving here after the Cowboys win and you leave at 10:30 to do what? THE VIEW!

“How dare you miss openings of shows to do radio or TV interviews. YOU LEFT AT 10:30! Today we needed to have a talk at ten to 10 and you’re running back from Howard Stern! You’re not even in the office yet! Enough already! You’ve made a fortune! We get it, the book’s not bad, we can move on. Can we move on from this stupid book? I’ve had enough of Straight Shooter!”

Throughout this entire sequence, Molly Qerim and Marcus Spears could not control their laughter. Moreover, even Stephen A. was cracking a smile through the whole thing. Overall, it was classic Chris Russo.

Let us know what you thought of this spirited rant, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports media world.

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Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Think Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance Can Live Up To Beyoncé’s: ‘She Ain’t Beyoncé’

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Stephen A. Smith might have no problem going toe to toe with athletes, current and former, but now he might have to take on Rihanna’s fan base.

The 55-year-old sports commentator recently shared his thoughts on Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl LVII performance while visiting Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show Sherri. While he said that he is excited about her performance, he made sure to stir the pot, saying that the Barbadian pop star is no Beyoncé.

“I don’t wanna say I’m not excited,” he said in response, with the ensuing moments including audible reactions from the audience. “She’s fantastic. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new-momma-hood. There’s one thing she’s not. She ain’t Beyoncé.”

He went on to elaborate on his statement, saying, “Hold on. … The only reason I brought up Beyoncé is because Beyoncé recently performed at the Super Bowl, with and without Bruno Mars and Coldplay,”

Sherri pushed back, saying that Beyoncé had her time, and now it’s Rihanna’s time to perform at a Super Bowl. Stephen A. Smith, however, applied Sherri’s argument to television, saying that Shepherd was in a league of her own and then there’s “everybody else.” Likewise, he believes that Beyoncé is in a league of her own, then there’s everybody else.

“Rihanna’s music is fantastic,” Smith said. “She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly. I listen to her music. I’m gonna support her until the cows come home. I’m just telling you: for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else. Just like there was Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else.” 

You can watch Stephen A. Smith’s full remarks below.

The post Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Think Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance Can Live Up To Beyoncé’s: ‘She Ain’t Beyoncé’ appeared first on The Source.

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Opinion On Beyoncé & Rihanna

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Stephen A. Smith has clarified his recent comments comparing Beyoncé and Rihanna. The First Take commentator says that he meant “no disrespect to Rihanna,” but reaffirmed that Beyoncé is operating on another level.

Smith had originally remarked that Rihanna “ain’t Beyoncé,” during an appearance on The Sherri Show. He had been asked whether he’s excited about Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show.

“Rihanna’s music is fantastic,” Smith said at the time, before adding, “She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly, I listen to her music, I’m gonna support her ’til the cows come home. I’m just telling you, for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else.”

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Stephen A. Smith of Team Stephen A. looks on before the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Presented By Ruffles at Wintrust Arena on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

He continued: “Just like there’s Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else. Ladies and gentlemen, [Rihanna is] a lot of things. She’s spectacular actually and congratulations on new mamahood. There’s one thing she’s not — she ain’t Beyoncé.”

Afterward, explaining his opinion in a video posted on Instagram, Smith said: “I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna. I know she’s phenomenal and she’s my sister. Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister, too.”

He further admitted that he needs “to be more careful” with his wording.

Rihanna has been gearing up for her highly-anticipated performance at the championship game for months now. Her appearance as the headliner will come a decade after Beyoncé brought out Kelly Rowland as well as Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child for her performance in 2013.

Rihanna has not embarked on a tour since 2016, when she released her last studio album, Anti. The iconic singer has yet to announce any specific details regarding her long-awaited next project.

Check out Stephen A. Smith’s clarification of his comments on Instagram below.

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Fans React To Stephen Smith’s Comparison Between Beyonce’s 2016 Super Bowl To Rihanna’s Yet To Happen 2023 Performance

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Stephen Smith

ESPN’s Stephen Smith apologized after his interview on the Sherri Show with Sherri Shepherd where he said, “although Rihanna is great,” he didn’t think she could match Beyoncé’s 2016 Super Bowl show. Stephen A. Smith apologized to Rihanna after the backlash of comparing her to Beyoncé as Riri gears up to perform at this year’s […]

The post Fans React To Stephen Smith’s Comparison Between Beyonce’s 2016 Super Bowl To Rihanna’s Yet To Happen 2023 Performance appeared first on SOHH.com.

Stephen A. Smith Apologized For Comparing Rihanna To Beyoncé: ‘Gotta Be More Careful’

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Stephen A. Smith might be a loudmouth with occasionally boneheaded opinions but he’s no fool. Just hours after risking the ire of two of music’s biggest fan bases, he’s already walking back his comments negatively comparing Rihanna to Beyoncé. In a video posted on his Twitter account, Stephen A. apologized to Rihanna and admitted that “I need to be more careful” in the future.

“I’m gonna own it,” he said, before tossing a little shade at the outlets that highlighted his faux pas. “I know what y’all trying to do. But I’m gonna own it because I get paid to speak for a living so I need to be more careful.” He then turned his attention to clearing the air with Rihanna, saying, “I want Rihanna to know: You’re a superstar. You’re sensational. You’re spectacular. You’re no joke, and you’re a worthy person to be doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show.”

He also elaborated on what he meant by “she ain’t Beyoncé.” “I’m a Beyoncé fan,” he explained. “I think Beyoncé is not only a phenomenal performer; she’s thee phenomenal performer. The only reason any kind of comparison came into play is because Beyoncé performed at the Super Bowl… and I thought those were two of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen. Anybody has to measure up to that.”

He also pointed out that he compared last year’s Dr. Dre performance with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige to Beyoncé’s before going full Stephen A. and asserting that even a Michael Jackson reprise would have to measure up to her and… well. It’s Stephen A. Smith. You couldn’t have been expecting a totally contrite response.

Smith made sure to show love to both Bey and Rih before saying he wished no disrespect to either, encouraging Rihanna to “do your thing.”

Stephen A. Smith Is Now Bringing His Trash Takes To The Music World, Apparently

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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is well-known for his controversial sports opinions — you could say he’s made his career on them. But perhaps out of habit, he just made a comparison that’ll have a whole new group of fans fighting mad at him.

The outspoken First Take host appeared on the daytime talk show Sherri, where he was asked about Rihanna’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show — it’s technically in his wheelhouse and gives the audience some common footing with him, so not a bad question, all told.

But his “first take” made an age-old comparison that isn’t likely to endear him to the daytime talk crowd, or to fans of the two artists he contrasted. “I don’t wanna say I’m not excited,” he said. “She’s fantastic. That’s not where I’m going with this. Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new-momma-hood. There’s one thing she’s not. She ain’t Beyoncé.”

The two singers have been pitted against each other for years but doing so has become something of a sore spot. Unfortunately, Smith’s entire job more or less consists of comparing athletes to each other, so when he was potentially out of his depth (name one Rihanna song, album, or feature without Google, Stephen!) he fell back on what he knows.

Although, in his mind, he apparently had a good reason for doing so. “The only reason I brought up Beyoncé is because Beyoncé recently performed at the Super Bowl, with and without Bruno Mars and Coldplay,” he explained. “Rihanna’s music is fantastic. She’s great. She’s a sister. I love her dearly. I listen to her music. I’m gonna support her until the cows come home. I’m just telling you: for me, there’s Beyoncé and there’s everybody else. Just like there was Michael Jackson and there’s everybody else.”

Hey look, whatever floats your boat. But a word of advice for Smith: Kobe fans may drive to featureless California towns to fight you, but the Navy (and the Hive) never forgets. Turn off your notifications now.