Stephen A. Smith
and Pat McAfee are the two biggest and most outspoken names at ESPN, and it's no surprise they're frequently the two most visible across various shows and different types of programming. When discussing the duo, it's fair to argue that they're equally important to the network's success, though there's one notable difference between Smith and McAfee, one the First Take host himself has admitted and even praised.Smith recently spoke with Front Office Sports Tonight and highlighted how unique McAfee's outlook is because he owns his content and platforms, as Awful Announcing detailed.
"I have to give respect and praise where it’s due. This is a man who bet on himself. I don’t think it’s fair to be compared to Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee has
a level of independence I’ve never had. He owns his own platforms. He leases that to ESPN. I’m employed by ESPN because ESPN owns First Take. Pat McAfee, when he says he’s his own boss, he truly is his own boss. They are not his bosses. He is his own boss. That’s the model. And he deserves a lot of respect and a lot of credit for that," Smith said.
It's a valid point from Smith, and while he's been the face of First Take and a core part of several other pieces of the company's programming, that is one core difference between him and McAfee. However, Smith has built his own platform and media company, which is another interesting twist to the storyline.
While McAfee has become a central figure in ESPN's game planning, even appearing on College GameDay, among other programs, Smith remains as prominent as ever on the network.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Stephen A. Smith admits Pat McAfee has different rules at ESPN: 'He is his own boss'
