• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 31, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
exclusive
Tuned In

Stephen A. Smith on ‘MNF’ Role, ‘Inside the NBA,’ Molly Qerim Departure

Smith told FOS that he will work “at least” three “Monday Night Football” games this season. He also talked about Molly Qerim’s departure.

Jeremy O’Brien/Front Office Sports

NEW YORK — Stephen A. Smith is coming to Monday Night Football.

Starting this Monday, the ESPN superstar will make the first of at least three appearances on this season’s Monday Night Countdown pregame show. Smith broke the news to Renee Washington of Front Office Sports Today during our Tuned In event Tuesday. 

Smith has long wanted to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol Howard Cosell by working on the original primetime NFL series. FOS previously reported that MNF appearances would be part of the blockbuster five-year, $100 million contract extension Smith signed.

“I’m going to be doing at least three Monday Night Football games this year,” Smith told FOS

The featured commentator and executive producer of First Take cited Monday night’s Lions at Ravens matchup in Baltimore, the Cardinals at Cowboys in Week 9, and the Super Bowl champion Eagles at Chargers in Week 14. This season’s Monday Night Countdown cast includes host Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter, and Michelle Beisner-Buck. The show is typically on-site at that week’s MNF game.

“Those are just the three I know about. Knowing them at ESPN, they’ll want more,” said Smith. “They’ll certainly want more of me on NBA Countdown. And so who knows? I mean, I’m doing First Take. But it’s ESPN. They know whatever they need me for—SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, NFL Countdown—it doesn’t matter. Whatever’s going to help make the network successful. Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus, Dave Roberts, Mike McQuade. They know me. They know I’ll do whatever they ask.”

With ESPN licensing Inside the NBA from TNT Sports this fall, Smith said it will be “totally” up to Charles Barkley & Co. whether he makes guest appearances on their show. While Inside the NBA will air on ESPN, TNT will continue to own and operate the iconic studio program from Atlanta.

“I only want what they want. They’re the A team. They’ve been the A team for decades for a reason. They’re absolutely wonderful, even though they were on a different network. They’re all personal friends of mine. Shaquille O’Neal and I, Kenny Smith and I, Charles Barkley and I, I go back 20 to 25 years with each of them, if not more,” Smith said. 

“I love them like brothers. I respect the hell out of them. I adore them. They’re my brothers. Them coming to ESPN is a tremendous, tremendous thing for us. Which I’m very excited about and very happy about. So to me, I’m there. I got enough jobs. I’ve got enough things that I’m doing. I’m doing my own thing. But if they ever need me to come down to Atlanta, to be in-studio with them, to go to the playoffs or the Finals with them, or whatever it is that they need, I will be there for whatever they want me to be there for. But it’s their show—and it’s their call. I totally understand that. That’s what I insisted upon. I will never do it unless they ask me to.”

Meanwhile, Smith told FOS that he was surprised and shocked by the sudden resignation of Molly Qerim, his 10-year colleague on First Take. But things happen during contract negotiations, he said. Smith wished Qerim the best in her future endeavors.

“I know that I’m thankful for the ten years that we had together. We’ve had a great relationship over the years. I think she’s absolutely wonderful as a person and a human being. She’s obviously a significant part of the show. And I’m going to miss her,” he said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.

Disney, YouTube Settle Suit Over Poached Exec With Deep ESPN Ties

A carriage dispute between Disney and YouTube remains ongoing.

SEC-Led College Football TV Ratings Are Still Up 4% Through Week 9

The average game audience this season is 1.95 million viewers.

ESPN Says No Issues With Its Handling of NBA Gambling Scandal

Viewership for every ESPN studio show was “up significantly.”

NBA Season Opens With Best Ratings in 8 Years Despite Off-Court Scandals

It’s the first year of the NBA’s 11-year, $77 billion media deal.

Featured Today

Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Shohei Ohtani Card Market Is Surging—With No Signs of Slowing

Cards have spiked hundreds of thousands of dollars from their initial value.
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium
October 26, 2025

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) throws his bat after hitting a two run home run as Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on during the third inning of game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

World Series Game 5: Largest Blue Jays Audience Ever on Canadian TV

Canadian viewership continues to be a major storyline of the World Series.
October 30, 2025

NBC Sports Parent Says No Rush to Make WBD Deal: ‘Bar Is..

The company says it doesn’t need to merge with another media entity.
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
October 30, 2025

CBS Bets Big on Chiefs-Bills Rivalry As AFC Landscape Changes

Big viewership likely awaits the revival of the NFL rivalry.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.
John Madden
October 30, 2025

How John Madden Became ‘America’s Nutty Football Professor’

“Once paired with Summerall, Madden found his true path.”
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman (55) is safe at third base after the play is reviewed against Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) in the twelfth inning during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
October 29, 2025

18-Inning World Series Game 3 Draws 17.6M Viewers in U.S. and Canada

Canadian viewership of the World Series remains solid despite an 18-inning Game 3.
Oct 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) and forward Kyshawn George (18) talk after a turnover against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Capital One Arena.
exclusive
October 29, 2025

Wizards Hire Ex-ESPN Editor Cristina Daglas for Front Office Role

ESPN placed Cristina Daglas on administrative leave in January.
October 29, 2025

NFL Ratings Continue to Surge: CBS and NBC on a Record Pace

NBC is averaging 24.7 million viewers per game for “Sunday Night Football.”