Stephen A. Smith explains his 'NBA Countdown' exit: 'I didn't want to be on the show'

Los Angeles Times•Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9:14:44 PM

NeutralSports

Stephen A. Smith has officially exited ESPN's 'NBA Countdown' as part of a new contract, emphasizing that he did not want to continue on the show due to his busy schedule. This decision has been misinterpreted in the media, leading to speculation about his departure.
This change reflects a broader restructuring of ESPN's NBA coverage, which has introduced a new team led by Malika Andrews, indicating a shift in the network's approach to its basketball programming.
Smith's exit from 'NBA Countdown' comes amid ongoing discussions about the dynamics of sports media, including the evolving roles of prominent figures and the impact of personal schedules on broadcasting commitments.

— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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