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Stephen A. Smith, Who Earns $12 Million/Year, Says He’s ‘Underpaid’
In 2005, Stephen A Smith joined ESPN and has climbed up the ladder ever since.
This not only led to Smith becoming the face of the network, but also to him becoming the highest-paid sportscaster ever.
In 2019, Smith signed a five-year contract that annually pays him $8 million in base salary and an additional $4 million in production bonuses, adding up to a total of $12 million salary.
During a recent episode of First Take however, Smith stated that he was “underpaid” compared to other people on television.
“Just like women are underpaid compared to male counterparts, Blacks are underpaid compared to white counterparts. So when you look at it from that perspective — and of course, I’m not talking about me. Even though I got news for you, I am underpaid compared to some people on television and what they get paid. But that’s a subject for another day. I’m not apologizing for that to a damn soul. I am underpaid.”
Stephen A. Smith reminds everyone he’s underpaid pic.twitter.com/hU2n2EEHf1
— Brandon Contes (@BrandonContes) October 28, 2022
This statement has obviously led to some criticism from people on social media.
Stephen Smith makes more money in three months than the average American earns in their entire lifetime.
Imagine getting paid $12 million a year to talk about sports and having the gall to complain publicly that you’re underpaid. https://t.co/itrYOF3kMy
— Andrew Kerr (@AndrewKerrNC) October 28, 2022
Btw Stephen A Smith is getting 12 million $ a year to give out absolutely horrendous takes on National TV and he had the audacity to say he is underpaid … when you are delusional you really won’t know until someone tells you
— Braves OFF-SZN (@sgmbraves2) October 28, 2022
That’s a lot of money to be a hater. Which he seems to do very well. He is definitely not underpaid if anything he is overpaid.
— sid jones (@sidreal1) October 29, 2022
Totally overpaid
— Joyce Rowe (@JoyceRo32772721) October 30, 2022
