Stephen A. Smith says there’s no beef with him and Pat McAfee [Update]

Replace March 9: Stephen A. Smith says there’s no beef between him and fellow ESPN speaking head Pat McAfee.

“There isn’t a dispute in any way. Pat McAfee is my teammate. Pat McAfee and I work collectively on ESPN,” Smith stated. “There isn’t a banishment from First Take or another present. He’s greater than welcome to return on First Take sooner or later and I’m gonna be greater than welcome to return on his present

“I don’t know what number of instances I’m gonna must say this however I’m gonna do this yet another time, not simply counting on a press release or a quote that I issued via ESPN. However I’m going to look into the cameras and say this to you, nationally and globally: I root for my teammates. I root for my colleagues. I don’t root in opposition to anyone. The individuals on the market who do which can be idiots. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

ESPN speaking heads Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith just lately engaged in an explosive cellphone name over inventive variations that escalated to the purpose the place the previous Indianapolis Colts punter referred to as the latter a “motherf*cker,” based on a New York Publish unique.

The argument got here from a challenge that Smith will likely be doing on ESPN sooner or later and is govt producing the section via his personal manufacturing firm, the Publish reported. After the spat, Smith banned McAfee from showing on his present, First Take sooner or later, based on the report.

McAfee beforehand would seem each Tuesday throughout soccer season to offer commentary however stated he was not conscious of a ban, based on the Publish. Smith said there by no means was one within the first place, per the story.

Either side indicated that their beef had been resolved, the Publish reported.

Each McAfee and Smith have been profitable of their respective exhibits for ESPN, bringing in a record-high 496,000 viewers for First Take final yr and 298 million views throughout all platforms for The Pat McAfee Present since being produced via ESPN.

“We’re No.1 and he has completely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was requested to return on every Tuesday via the Tremendous Bowl and he did simply that, kicking ass every time he got here on the air,” Smith stated in an e-mail to the Publish. “If McAfee needs to be on First Take subsequent season, he will likely be on First Take. I like winners and McAfee has confirmed he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know what number of instances I’ve to inform people that he’s trail-blazed a path into a brand new period for therefore many people. I’m grateful to have him as part of my workforce and the ESPN Household. And I’m wanting ahead to having him on for years to return. I sincerely hope that I can’t must repeat myself on this nonsense once more!”