Stephen A. Smith Seemingly Takes Credit For Monica McNutt’s Popularity As He Slams Sports Analyst For Criticizing His Lack Of WNBA Coverage

Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt

Stephen A. Smith Seemingly Takes Credit For Monica McNutt’s Popularity As He Slams Sports Analyst For Criticizing His Lack Of WNBA Coverage

Stephen A. Smith has responded strongly to recent remarks made by Monica McNutt during their discussion on WNBA players Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter.

The 56-year-old TV personality addressed sports analyst Monica McNutt, 34, and her comments on First Take, expressing both disappointment and a strong rebuttal.

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, he stated,

“I found it very unfortunate that she would say that. I challenge anybody to find a show on sports television that discusses women’s issues, the WNBA, or women’s sports that highlights and profiles female analysts more than First Take.”

Stephen A. Smith continued:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am the executive producer of First Take. You ever heard of Monica McNutt? You have now. Because she’s on First Take a lot. Chiney Ogwumike, absolutely wonderful, spectacular basketball analyst. … ask her how it’s been to be on First Take. How about Andraya Carter? Who’s a rising star in this business. How much do you think First Take helped that? What about Kimberley Martin? What about Molly Qerim herself?”

His comments follow a lengthy and contentious segment on Monday’s episode (June 3) of First Take, where the panelists discussed the altercation between WNBA players Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter. Amid the conversation, Monica McNutt criticized Stephen A. Smith and other media outlets for seemingly only giving the WNBA attention after rookie Caitlin Clark joined the league.

Monica McNutt said,

“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to.”

She went on to explain that from her perspective, Stephen wasn’t discussing the WNBA at this level just a few years ago.

ESPN’s First Take

However, Smith claimed during his podcast that what McNutt said was “blatantly false,” citing his role as producer and influence on the show’s roster and direction.

While alluding to the possibility that Monica McNutt may have missed out on tons of First Take episodes, he said,

“I’m accusing her of not knowing. Because she’s not a liar, she’s an honorable person … She must not have known.”

Despite the disagreement, Smith emphasized his respect for McNutt, noting their history as colleagues. He clarified that his discontent was solely related to the specific remarks made during their exchange, not reflecting his overall regard for McNutt.

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