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One of the most popular figures in sports history never played professionally.
Time for a thread
Time for a thread
1) First, some history...
Stephen A. Smith — born in the Bronx but raised in Queens — is the 5th of 6 children.
His parents, who immigrated from the Virgin Islands, worked "15-16 hour days" to provide for their family.
As for Stephen A Smith?
His life took an unusual path…
Stephen A. Smith — born in the Bronx but raised in Queens — is the 5th of 6 children.
His parents, who immigrated from the Virgin Islands, worked "15-16 hour days" to provide for their family.
As for Stephen A Smith?
His life took an unusual path…
2) In elementary school, @stephenasmith was held back twice and constantly ridiculed by his classmates.
"I remember the look on my father’s face, looking at me like I was a complete failure.
People want to know where my motivation came from? My motivation came from that.”
"I remember the look on my father’s face, looking at me like I was a complete failure.
People want to know where my motivation came from? My motivation came from that.”
3) Looking to make his family proud, Stephen A Smith attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.
The interesting part?
"They found out I could ball."
After just one year, Smith left FIT — accepting a basketball scholarship to DII Winston-Salem State University in NC.
The interesting part?
"They found out I could ball."
After just one year, Smith left FIT — accepting a basketball scholarship to DII Winston-Salem State University in NC.
4) After "busting" his kneecap early on, @stephenasmith's life changed forever at Winston-Salem State University.
How?
Stephen A. was convinced his legendary coach, Clarence Gaines, should retire due to poor health.
When Gaines declined, Stephen A took it into his own hands.
How?
Stephen A. was convinced his legendary coach, Clarence Gaines, should retire due to poor health.
When Gaines declined, Stephen A took it into his own hands.
5) With his coach unwilling to step down due to health concerns, @stephenasmith went to the school newspaper — writing a column arguing that Gaines should retire.
"They wanted to kick me out of school they were so mad."
Instead, with Stephen A still injured, a passion was born.
"They wanted to kick me out of school they were so mad."
Instead, with Stephen A still injured, a passion was born.
6) After graduating in 1991, @stephenasmith started at a local paper in Winston Salem.
The craziest part?
He spent years working for free.
"I lived off tuna and Kool-Aid."
Eventually, after 3-years & 500 articles, Stephen A accepted a $15k position at the New York Daily News.
The craziest part?
He spent years working for free.
"I lived off tuna and Kool-Aid."
Eventually, after 3-years & 500 articles, Stephen A accepted a $15k position at the New York Daily News.
7) After a short stint with the New York Daily News, @stephenasmith was recruited to join The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Over the next decade, Stephen A. was promoted 9 times — covering everything from Allen Iverson to Phillies games.
The best part?
In 2005, ESPN came calling.
Over the next decade, Stephen A. was promoted 9 times — covering everything from Allen Iverson to Phillies games.
The best part?
In 2005, ESPN came calling.
8) Since joining ESPN in 2005, @stephenasmith has become one of the most popular figures in sports.
His catchphrases like "Stay off the weed!" & "Blasphemous!" have built him a following of almost 10M on social media.
His parody account ( @SASBurnerAcct) even has 550k followers.
His catchphrases like "Stay off the weed!" & "Blasphemous!" have built him a following of almost 10M on social media.
His parody account ( @SASBurnerAcct) even has 550k followers.
9) After becoming a global celebrity through hot takes & a vibrant personality, @stephenasmith was rewarded with a historic $8M/year contract in 2019.
The deal made him the highest-paid sportscaster in ESPN history.
From tuna & Kool-Aid to an $8M salary?
That's amazing.
The deal made him the highest-paid sportscaster in ESPN history.
From tuna & Kool-Aid to an $8M salary?
That's amazing.
10) In the end, @stephenasmith is the perfect example of using hard work & perseverance to create a successful life, regardless of your starting position.
He found his passion and put in the work, eventually going from unpaid to highest-paid.
Now that's legendary.
He found his passion and put in the work, eventually going from unpaid to highest-paid.
Now that's legendary.
11) If you enjoyed this thread, you should:
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2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter where I give a detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports. http://readhuddleup.com
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2. Subscribe to my free daily newsletter where I give a detailed analysis on topics involving the money and business behind sports. http://readhuddleup.com
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If you want to support me, buy some beer - it's really great stuff.
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If you want to support me, buy some beer - it's really great stuff.
Use code "JOE25" for 25% off at http://athleticbrewing.com
