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“He’s Not a Journalist”: Wilbon Torches Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith: Journalist or TV Show Host? The Great Debate Explained Simply
What’s All the Fuss About?
Imagine you used to be a detective who solved mysteries by visiting crime scenes, talking to witnesses, and writing detailed reports. Then one day, you get offered a job as a TV host where you sit in a comfy studio and give your opinions on mysteries instead of solving them. You make way more money and become super famous.
Are you still a detective?
That’s basically the question people are asking about Stephen A. Smith right now.
Who Are the Main Characters?
- Stephen A. Smith – Famous ESPN personality, host of First Take, known for loud, strong opinions
- Michael Wilbon – Longtime ESPN colleague, former newspaper reporter, co-host of Pardon the Interruption
- Jaylen Brown – NBA star who recently called out Smith’s "journalistic integrity"
The Backstory: From Newspaper to TV Star
Stephen A.’s Early Days
Before the bright lights and debate shows, Stephen A. Smith was a real-deal sports reporter:
- Covered NBA games in person, night after night
- Wrote columns for the Philadelphia Inquirer
- Sat in press boxes and locker rooms
- Had to face the athletes he criticized the very next day
The Big Career Switch
Like many reporters before him, Smith made a choice:
- Stay a reporter – Lower pay, grind of daily deadlines, travel constantly
- Become a TV personality – Big money, national fame, share opinions from a studio
He chose Door #2. And according to his old friend Michael Wilbon, that choice changed everything.
Michael Wilbon’s Verdict: "He’s a Show, Not a Journalist"
On The Awful Announcing Podcast, Wilbon didn’t hold back. Here’s what he said in plain English:
IMPORTANT POINT
"You’re not a journalist anymore. You’re not doing what you did at the Philly Inquirer… Stephen A. is a show. He knows it. He wants to be the show, and he’s doing a damn good job at it."
Wilbon’s Three Main Arguments
| What Journalists Do | What Stephen A. Does Now |
|---|---|
| Show up at games and practices daily | Sits in a New York studio |
| Face the people they criticize tomorrow | Gives opinions from a safe distance |
| Report facts and verified information | Performs "know-it-all" takes for entertainment |
| Accountable to sources and readers | Accountable to ratings and sponsors |
Why Does Stephen A. Still Call Himself a Journalist?
When athletes or critics attack him, Smith often pulls out his journalist card as a shield. He says things like:
- "I have journalistic integrity!"
- "I was a reporter for years!"
- "I know what I’m talking about because I did the work!"
Wilbon’s response: "We try to hold onto it because it’s what we value. We value that more than the show."
It’s like a retired chef who still insists "I’m a chef!" while hosting a cooking game show. The skills are real, but the job has changed.
The Core Difference: Accountability
Old-School Journalism = "Boots on the Ground"
Wilbon explains it perfectly:
"You’ve gotta show up. When you write that column that’s negative about the first baseman, your a better be at the cage the next day. That’s journalism."**
Modern Debate TV = "The Show"
- No daily access to teams required
- No awkward locker room encounters after harsh criticism
- Success measured by viral clips and ratings, not accuracy
- "Know-it-all" persona is literally the job description
What Jaylen Brown Started
The latest spark came when Celtics star Jaylen Brown publicly challenged Smith:
- Called out "journalistic integrity" (with sarcastic quotes)
- Said Smith makes criticism personal, not professional
- Highlighted the pattern: Smith attacks players, then hides behind "I’m a journalist!"
The Generational Impact
Wilbon points out something bigger: Smith created a blueprint.
"He has now spawned a whole generation of people who want to be the show."
Young sports media hopefuls now see the path:
- Skip the beat reporting grind
- Build a "take" personality
- Get the TV contract
- Never have to cover a 7 PM tip-off on a Tuesday in January
Summary: The Simple Truth
| Stephen A. Smith WAS | Stephen A. Smith IS |
|---|---|
| A respected sports reporter | A highly paid TV entertainer |
| Accountable to sources daily | Accountable to ESPN ratings |
| Wrote reported columns | Performs "embrace debate" theater |
| Had to show up | Shows up when he wants |
Michael Wilbon’s bottom line: "He gets paid to be a know-it-all; that’s the gig."
There’s no shame in being a show. It’s a legitimate, lucrative, influential career. But it’s not journalism—and pretending it is does a disservice to reporters still grinding in press boxes tonight.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Does this mean Stephen A. Smith is "fake"?
Not at all! He’s genuinely knowledgeable about sports. He was a great reporter. He’s now a great performer. The skills overlap, but the jobs are different.
Can someone be both a journalist and a TV host?
Yes, but it’s rare. Some hosts (like Bob Costas or Bryant Gumbel) maintained reporting standards. But daily debate shows require opinions on everything instantly—the opposite of careful reporting.
Why does it matter what we call him?
Words have meaning. When Smith claims "journalist" status to deflect criticism, he borrows credibility from a profession with strict ethics—while operating without those same constraints.
Is Michael Wilbon biased because they’re friends?
Actually, that makes his critique stronger. Wilbon knows Smith’s reporting chops firsthand. He’s not saying Smith can’t do journalism—he’s saying he doesn’t anymore.
What should I call Stephen A. Smith then?
"Sports media personality," "TV host," "commentator," "analyst," or "the face of ESPN’s debate era." All accurate. All respectful. None require pretending he files game stories from the press box.
Want to hear the full conversation? The complete Wilbon episode dropped Friday, August 7 on The Awful Announcing Podcast and YouTube.
