 |
Sports reporter Stephen A. Smith, who over the last few years has become a fixture at ESPN, is parting ways with the cable sports channel.
Broadcasting the news via Twitter Smith told fans that his time at ESPN had come to an end, “ESPN and I are parting ways. My statement ‘Goodbye ESPN!!!’”
Smith later offered a more detailed statement on his website, “While my love for sports has never dissipated — of course, I’ll never let go of Sports — my desire to venture beyond sports into the world of news, politics and entertainment has grown. Where that will take me? Who knows! , But you can keep up with me right here on StephenA.com as well as on Twitter (@StephenASmith) to find out! I’ll just be moving on with some degree of sadness, remembering all the friends I’ll leave behind.”
According to TheBigLead.com Smith’s departure comes after ESPN decided to renew his contract, which will expire after the NBA playoffs, at a much lower rate of compensation than his is previous contracts. -He was then offered the decision to work through the remainder of his contract, or walk away and still get paid, and a source says Smith decided to work [TheBigLead.com].
Smith hosted a highly touted program on ESPN2, “Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith,” from Aug. 1, 2005, through Jan. 11, 2007 and remained with ESPN at various capacities after the show’s run ended.
