Former ESPN host Michelle Beadle has openly expressed her disdain for her ex-colleague Stephen A. Smith during a recent podcast episode. In a candid discussion with former MLB player Cody Decker, Beadle shared her perspective on Smith, highlighting what she perceives as his dominating presence within the network.
In a clip shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Beadle criticized ESPN for allowing Smith’s influence to grow unchecked. “If I’m ESPN, like, I get it. You created this monster. He is bigger than you now, and that’s exactly your fault, and your fault only,” she stated. Beadle emphasized that Smith’s high visibility was not a result of overwhelming demand from others but rather a product of his own initiative and ambition. “Nobody’s asking him. He shows up,” she asserted.
Beadle further conveyed her reluctance to share a workspace with Smith, saying, “I told everyone I work with, I will never share a set with that person ever, because I don’t respect him … Life’s too short.” She recalled her final day on the show “Get Up!” where, while receiving a heartfelt farewell from host Mike Greenberg, a promo for Smith’s upcoming appearance overshadowed her departure.
Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith recently announced that he will be hosting two shows on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, set to replace Beadle’s show starting September 2. One of the shows will air in the early afternoon, while the other, titled “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.,” will feature discussions on politics and culture.
This back-and-forth between Beadle and Smith highlights the competitive nature of sports media and shines a light on the dynamics at play within ESPN. As Smith continues to expand his influence in the industry, Beadle’s comments reflect a broader conversation about the power dynamics in sports broadcasting.