Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when former CNN anchor Chris Wallace questioned him about his rumored $100 million contract negotiation. The fiery ESPN commentator, known for his unfiltered takes, was quick to shut down Wallace, turning the conversation into a verbal slam dunk.
In an interview with Chris Wallace on his HBO Max series “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” Stephen A. was a guest on an episode that aired on September 20.
Who’s Talking?
“Your ESPN contract is, what we’re told, up next year and the word on the street is, you want something in the range of $100 million for five years. True?” Wallace said.
“I’m not getting specific as it pertains to numbers, because only a fool discusses his own negotiations while negotiating,” Smith said. “I would ask, respectfully, pay attention to the industry, see what people are getting paid. See how much money they’re making and what they’re bringing to the table. Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million. He’s making $60 million a year… Has won two playoff games in eight years.”
Addressing rumors of his alleged $100 million deal with ESPN over five years, Smith responded by saying that only a fool would publicly telegraph his demands.
As Finurah previously reported, Smith, whose current contract expires in June 2025, was rumored to have sought a $90 million deal over five years, which would amount to $18 million per year — a 50 percent increase from his current annual salary of $12 million.
He advised those in negotiations to assess what others are earning and to compare it to their own value and contributions.
During the interview, Stephen A., a well-known sports analyst and commentator, compared himself to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a $240 million contract extension before this season began.
Smith pointed out that despite Prescott’s contract — making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history, and playing for the most valuable team in the league — he has only led the Cowboys to two playoff appearances in the past eight years and has not advanced them deep into the postseason.
“I’ve been No. 1 for 12 years. I’m sorry, in our respective industries I win, and I’m fully aware of what I’m worth, and I will never apologize to that for anybody,” Smith said.
