Stephen Smith, a sportscaster for ESPN is facing a week long suspension following comments during a First Take segment last Friday. During the segment, the discussion turned to the two game suspension handed down to Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice. The suspension followed allegations of Rice assaulting his wife. While Smith did not directly address women, his comments were called into question, when he said “Let’s make sure we don’t do anything to provoke wrong action,” he then continued and stated “you can do your part” to make sure it does not happen again.
The comments immediately drew swift rebuke. Especially from fellow ESPN colleague Michelle Beadle. She took to Twitter to state the following:
Smith did issue an on-air apology, earlier this week and state it was the most “egregious mistake” he had ever made, throughout his career. ESPN chief executive, John Skipper released a memo to the employees of the network, and stated a “thoughtful discussion” took place following the incident.
Skipper also states Smith’s apology is one with sincerity, and knows the sportscaster will be careful in the future. Smith stated his intentions were not to make it seem like women are responsible for abusive relationships.
Not much has been said regarding if the network will penalize Beadle for taking to Twitter to call out Smith. Reportedly, the network does not permit sportscasters to attack one another in online formats, including social media.
Smith will return to First Take, and his ESPN Radio show next Wednesday.