With a contract extension likely coming for Stephen A. Smith, his ESPN co-workers have reportedly coined a funky new nickname for the ‘First Take’ host.
Smith is seeking a big contract extension with ‘The World’s Leader in Sports’, but that has reportedly ruffled some feathers behind the scenes.
According The US SunJournalists working on the show are reportedly worried that the attention their contract dispute is attracting will have adverse effects on the show.
They have resorted to calling Smith ‘Mr. Greed’ as they mock his desire to win a $25 million contract with the company.
“The situation of Stephen A. Smith attracting a lot of attention to his salary requests and the fact that he wants to be the highest paid man on television and asks for 25 million per year adds a lot of tension to the team, to the journalists who are “Not in their ‘small circle, the king’s court’ or on the team, as it would literally blow up the show’s budget,” a journalist for the show told The US Sun.
‘First Take’ reporters are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about Stephen A. Smith’s pursuit of a new contract with ESPN that could run into tens of millions of dollars.
As a result, some of his co-workers nicknamed him ‘Mr. Greed’
“He goes to do interviews and public appearances at tons of venues and events so frequently, talking about himself and his requests so frequently it looks like he’s campaigning for himself, the ‘Stephen A. Smith Circus on Tour.’ as we call it now among ourselves, as it is becoming quite ridiculous and many people are very angry and upset with it.
“Many of us are afraid that those requests will push ESPN to cut costs to give you their money, and that many of us, and people on the team will be fired, will be left wondering when the decision will be made.”
The Sun’s source also felt that if Smith were to get a bigger contract, that could eat into the show’s budget even further, putting jobs on the line.
“We’re not just talking about Stephen A. Smith’s salary requests, we’re also talking about how it will have consequences on his inner circle of guys on the show,” the Sun’s source continued.
‘Those not in their circle feel left out and stressed, very stressed about the coming weeks and months.
“Many people are afraid of being kicked out of their jobs because of Mister Greedy’s enormous appetite for money and power, and for being the center of attention and making exclusive decisions in anything.”
According to The US Sun, “many members of First Take feel the same way about Stephen A. during these tense months of contract negotiations.”
Some believe that if Smith lands a big contract, their jobs could be on the line.
Another source told the outlet that they believe Smith is only interested in money.
“I mean, every time he does an interview, or a public appearance, or even just opens his mouth, it’s ‘me, me, me’ and ‘money, money, money’ all the damn time,” said one team member. of production. he told The US Sun newspaper.
‘Every day in our WhatsApp group chat we always have tons of quotes and stuff about Stephen A. Smith, it’s very frustrating as this is getting out of control.
“He’s on a massive PR campaign, to show the world that he’s the ‘best’, the ‘best man in TV and the sports industry’ and to be honest with you, it’s getting really pathetic.”
This source also told the outlet that they were concerned about speaking out against Smith in an effort to protect their jobs.
“Many of us are fed up with this constant ‘Stephen A. Smith show,’ but we can’t say anything because we are afraid that his requests will be granted and that could cost us our jobs since the money he is asking for is enormous.” “It’s crazy in my opinion,” the source continued.
“The negotiations are taking forever, but until a decision is made and the new contract is signed, our situation is very unpredictable, as many of us are afraid that they will have to cut costs on the one hand, the crew, the workers , to give you your money.
‘This adds a lot to a situation that is already very, very tense, and there is no calm, there is no serenity in our work right now with everything that is happening. Your requests add more, that’s for sure.’
