ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has become the unmistakable face of the network, whether fans love or loathe him. Known for his loud, often outrageous takes and high-energy style, Smith dominates morning sports talk, delivering his bold opinions straight into America’s living rooms. And when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, particularly quarterback Dak Prescott, Smith’s rants are nothing short of legendary.
However, behind the scenes at ESPN, not everyone seems to be as enthusiastic about Smith’s larger-than-life persona. According to reports, some of his colleagues have given him an unflattering nickname: “Mr. Greed.”
This nickname reportedly stems from Smith’s ongoing contract negotiations, where he’s allegedly asking for a massive five-year deal worth $100 million. Smith, never shy about sharing his thoughts, even publicly compared his salary demands to those of Dak Prescott. “Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240M, he’s making $60M a year… [and] has won 2 playoff games in eight years,” Smith pointed out, using his favorite target to make his case. “I’ve been No. 1 for 12 [years]. In our respective industries, I win. I’m fully aware what I’m worth.”
While Smith’s brashness may entertain viewers, it appears to be rubbing some of his colleagues the wrong way. According to The U.S. Sun, staff members at ESPN are privately referring to him as “Mr. Greed” due to his lofty salary demands.
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One anonymous journalist told the outlet, “Stephen A. Smith is bringing a lot of attention to his salary requests, wanting to be the highest-paid guy on TV with a $25 million per year deal. It’s creating tension within the team, especially among those not in his inner circle or ‘king’s court.’”
The ripple effects of Smith’s contract negotiations seem to go beyond his immediate team. The source explained that Smith’s requests could potentially stretch the show’s budget to its breaking point, leading to concerns about job security for other staff members. “Many people are worried about losing their jobs because of Mr. Greedy’s enormous appetite for money and power,” another insider claimed. “He wants to be the center of attention and the exclusive decision-maker on everything.”
Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, Smith remains unfazed, continuing to do what he does best—dominate the airwaves. With ESPN facing financial pressures of its own, including budget cuts and layoffs, it remains to be seen whether the network will meet Smith’s reported demands. Should ESPN decide not to offer him the $25 million per year he’s seeking, Smith has made it clear that he has other options.
Smith already has a significant following on his independent platforms, including his popular podcast, where he maintains a strong presence outside of the ESPN ecosystem. If negotiations fall through, he’s likely to continue making substantial income from his independent ventures, though not securing the massive paycheck he’s pushing for could be a blow to his ego.
As contract talks continue, it’s clear that Smith’s high-stakes salary negotiations are more than just about the money—it’s also about status and power. Whether ESPN agrees to meet his demands or not, Stephen A. Smith will remain a polarizing figure both on and off the screen.
For now, the question is whether “Mr. Greed” will get the deal he wants or if ESPN will draw the line, leaving Smith to carve out his own path beyond the network.
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