A new rumor claims Stephen A. Smith is getting “closer” to leaving ESPN and it is for an even bigger role: President of the United States.
There is no denying that the ESPN talking head is the most well-known sports analyst in the media. It is hard to deny the ratings the company gets for his co-hosting role on “First Take” and his other appearances on ESPN content. It is why the company reportedly gave a five-year extension worth $100 million last spring.
The deal locks him into being the unofficial face of the brand, and should mean he isn’t going anywhere over the next five years. Or maybe not. Last year, the 58-year-old revealed that he had pondered making a run at the Oval Office in 2028.
It’s an idea that would have been ridiculous 15 years ago, but former real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump completely changed the idea of a presidential candidate by winning two elections for the office. Over the last six months, Smith has been on the fence about the possibility publicly. However, he added fuel to a run for office this week.
Smith told CBS News on Friday that while the idea of being a politician doesn’t really interest him, he is “not ruling out” a run for office in 2028.
Stephen A. Smith again keeps the door open to run for President
“I’d love to be on the debate stages against some of these individuals who think they’re better suited to run the country,” Smith told the outlet. “Because I think that the American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself.”
Yet, that is not where the speculation ends. “Stephen A. Smith is moving closer to a 2028 campaign,” CBS National Correspondent Robert Costa wrote on X. “Spending a few days with him in recent months reminded me of spending a few days with Trump back in 2013-2014. Many laughed at the prospect of a bid. But in an age of celebrity and social media…”
Stephen A. Smith has stated previously that if he did make a run for office, it would require leaving his post with ESPN. That position and the income are also why he has suggested he wouldn’t pursue the Presidency of the United States. However, with the New Yorker choosing not to quell the rumors, it is looking as possible as ever that he could eventually leave his job with the media giant.
