Stephen A Smith: Removed| Why was removed from nba countdown

Introduction

Stephen A. Smith, one of the most recognizable and outspoken voices in sports media, has long been a fixture on ESPN’s NBA studio coverage. However, in 2025, he was removed from the regular lineup of NBA Countdown, sparking widespread speculation and media buzz. In this article, we dig into why Stephen A. Smith was removed from NBA Countdown, what his own comments on the matter have been, and what this change means for both him and ESPN.

Background: Stephen A. Smith’s Role on NBA Countdown

Stephen A. Smith’s association with ESPN’s NBA coverage goes back decades. He initially appeared on NBA Shootaround, the precursor to NBA Countdown, and continued to be part of the show when it was rebranded in 2012.

Over the years, Smith became one of the most prominent analysts on the pregame and halftime show. His energetic opinions, strong takes, and outspoken personality made him both loved and criticized — but his presence was undeniably central to ESPN’s NBA studio coverage.

What Happened: The 2025 Shakeup

In November 2025, ESPN officially unveiled a “new-look” NBA Countdown team, and notably, Stephen A. Smith was absent from the lineup. The new team included:

• Malika Andrews — as host

• Brian Windhorst — senior writer

• Kendrick Perkins — analyst

• Michael Malone — former coach

• Shams Charania — serving as regular insider/reporter

This announcement confirmed what many had already suspected: Smith would no longer appear regularly on NBA Countdown.

Why He Was Removed: Multiple Factors

There are several interrelated reasons behind Stephen A. Smith’s removal — and it wasn’t simply a network demotion. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

1. New Contract with ESPN

Smith signed a lucrative five-year extension with ESPN earlier in 2025, reported to be worth at least $100 million. According to the terms of this deal, he negotiated less frequent appearances on NBA Countdown.

By reducing his regular studio duties, he gained greater flexibility to pursue other projects and platforms.

2. Expanding His Workload Beyond Countdown

Stephen A. openly said that part of his decision stemmed from a desire to avoid being stuck in the studio until after midnight. Given his other commitments — including his First Take show, multiple SiriusXM radio shows, and his own production company — continually being on Countdown was becoming less tenable.

He remarked:

“In case you haven’t noticed, I got other things on my plate … I’m always available … but I negotiated so I wouldn’t appear regularly.”

3. ESPN’s Strategic Shift

ESPN itself seems to be reorienting its NBA studio coverage. The new NBA Countdown team comes infused with fresh voices: Malika Andrews (relatively young anchor), Brian Windhorst (deep NBA insider), Michael Malone (coach), and Kendrick Perkins (former player).

This reimagining likely aligns with ESPN’s broader strategy to revamp its NBA presentation, including integrating TNT’s Inside the NBA style on certain broadcasts.

So, rather than a forced exit, Smith’s reduced role reflects a mutual recalibration — ESPN gets a refreshed pregame team, and Smith frees himself for other high-value projects.

4. Not a Firing — His Own Words

Stephen A. Smith has strongly denied that he was “yanked off” Countdown. In his own words:

• It was not ESPN unilaterally cutting him;

• The changes were negotiated as part of his contract;

• He remains “always available” to make occasional appearances when needed.

He emphasized that this shift was his decision, and he remained committed to ESPN.

Reactions & Implications

Media and Fan Reactions

• Surprise: Many fans were stunned. Smith has been associated with Countdown for more than two decades, so seeing him absent from the 2025-26 lineup was unexpected.

• Mixed responses: Some viewers welcomed the refresh, arguing the show needed new energy. Others worried that removing Smith would dilute ESPN’s pregame fire.

• Clarifications: Outlets like Primetimer pointed out that the rumors of his firing were false.

Business Implications

• For ESPN: Reworking its studio lineup may help the network remain competitive, especially as NBA broadcast dynamics evolve (e.g., more partnership with Inside the NBA).

• For Smith: Scaling back Countdown involvement allows him to focus on higher-leverage platforms — his own YouTube show, radio, possibly even political or scripted content.

Is He Done With NBA Countdown Forever?

Not necessarily. Stephen A has made it clear that he could still appear occasionally on the show. This isn’t a total exit but a shift away from regular duties.

He even said that he’s open to stepping in for big moments — for example, marquee games or major events. So while he’s no longer a staple face on weekday Countdown, he hasn’t completely cut ties. Stephen A. Smith.

What This Means for ESPN’s NBA Coverage

1. Fresh Voices: With Andrews, Windhorst, Malone, and Perkins, ESPN is betting on a mix of youth, insight, coaching experience, and playing experience.

2. Strategic Realignment: The change aligns with ESPN’s broader content strategy — more flexible talent deployment, deeper digital presence, and possibly cost optimization.

3. Smith’s Evolving Role: As Smith pursues more off-studio projects, ESPN retains him for what matters most, while letting him breathe. Stephen A. Smith.

Risks & Challenges

• Audience Risk: Removing a polarizing but high-profile figure like Smith may alienate longtime viewers.

• Chemistry Uncertainty: The new team has to build chemistry quickly; pregame and halftime shows rely heavily on on-air dynamics.

• Overexposure vs Absence: While scaling back reduces overexposure, too few appearances may make Smith less relevant in the NBA conversation.

Why This Isn’t a Scandal — But a Negotiated Shift

One of the biggest misconceptions from the moment news broke was the assumption that Smith was fired. But the evidence tells a different story:

• His removal was part of contract renegotiation.

• He asked for more flexibility rather than being forced out.

• He remains with ESPN, hosts shows, and is still “on call.”

In short, this is not a dramatic ouster but a strategic rebalancing — for both Smith and ESPN. Stephen A. Smith.

What’s Next for Stephen A. Smith

• Occasional Countdown Appearances: He could pop up during big games or special events.

• Digital & Radio Priority: Focus on his YouTube show “Straight Shooter,” his multiple SiriusXM commitments, and other content creation.

• Long-Term Projects: The new deal gives him room to ramp up non-sports projects, be it political commentary, scripted content, or growing his production company. Stephen A. Smith.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Was Stephen A. Smith fired from ESPN’s NBA Countdown?
A1: No — he was not fired. According to him, his reduced role was negotiated as part of a new contract, giving him more flexibility.

Q2: How much is Stephen A. Smith’s new ESPN contract worth?
A2: Reports say it’s a five-year deal worth at least $100 million.

Q3: Will Stephen A. Smith never appear on NBA Countdown again?
A3: Not necessarily. He said he is “always available” and could appear occasionally, especially for big events.

Q4: Why did ESPN remove Stephen A. from Countdown?
A4: Multiple reasons: Smith wanted to reduce his studio hours, he has other commitments (radio, YouTube, production), and ESPN is refreshing the look of its NBA studio show with new talent.

Q5: Who replaced Stephen A. Smith on NBA Countdown?
A5: The 2025–26 lineup includes Malika Andrews (host), Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone, and insider Shams Charania.

Q6: Does Stephen A. Smith regret leaving NBA Countdown?
A6: There’s no public indication of regret. He has said he loved being on the show but has “other things on [his] plate” and that reducing his role was intentional.

Q7: Is this move good for ESPN?
A7: It could be — ESPN refreshes its studio team, reduces reliance on a single loud voice, and potentially saves money or redistributes talent. But it also carries risk, as they must ensure the new team resonates with viewers. Stephen A. Smith.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith’s exit (or rather, scaled-back role) from ESPN’s NBA Countdown is not a scandal — it’s a negotiated and strategic shift. With a massive new contract, he’s gained more freedom to expand into other areas, while ESPN repositions its studio coverage with fresh voices