*Cam Newton’s decision to host Jason Whitlock on his “4th and 1” podcast has set off a chain reaction across ESPN, and Stephen A. Smith has now weighed in with both reassurance and a pointed warning.
According to Awful Announcing, Smith confirmed that Newton’s role on “First Take” is not in immediate danger, but made clear that Newton has been benefiting from loyalty he does not seem to acknowledge.
The friction began when Newton brought Whitlock, widely regarded as an enemy of Smith’s, onto his podcast. Rather than pushing back on Whitlock’s attacks, Newton let the conversation play out without challenge, a choice that did not sit well with his ESPN colleagues. Fellow “First Take” contributor Ryan Clark took issue with that dynamic on social media, writing, “If someone shows you love, has you on ‘their’ show twice a week… at least. You don’t bring his known enemy on your show and allow your guest to talk about person. That’s not G at all. Loyalty is at a minimum these days.”
Smith echoed that sentiment and directed his frustration at Newton. “Cam Newton, next time, my brother, cause you know I love you, you gonna interview somebody and bring me up? Don’t just sit there and let them talk sh*t. Ask questions,” Smith said.
Scroll to continue reading
Newton has carved out a steady presence on “First Take” over the past two football seasons. Smith made clear he wants that to continue. “Cam is my man. I’m very proud of the job he’s done on First Take,” Smith said. “I want him back. The whole bit.”
However, Smith also pointed to Newton’s recent controversial remarks about women as an example of where he could have publicly called Newton out but chose not to. Newton had stated that “women’s value gets lower the more children that they have,” and the remarks sparked headlines and drew considerable public criticism. “You’ve come out your mouth with stuff recently, unapologetically, when you’ve talked what you’ve talked about as it pertains to women, for example,” Smith said. “I didn’t say a word. Because I’m not doing that to you.”
Smith also pushed back on Newton’s claim that loyalty does not exist in media. “When somebody brings up loyalty, and you say there ain’t no loyalty in this business, I’m telling you you’re wrong. There’s a whole bunch of loyalty in this business. Some of which has been exercised on your behalf without you even knowing it. Please know that. Ryan Clark is right about that,” Smith said.
Smith and Newton are expected to sit down together for a future episode of “4th and 1” in Atlanta.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Ryan Clark Criticizes Cam Newton Over Jason Whitlock Interview as Stephen A. Smith Responds
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE
