Stephen A Smith Reacts to ESPN Suspension
Stephen A Smith is reacting after being suspended from his job at ESPN2's "First Take" and his radio show on the network.
The 46-year-old was suspended for one week after offending many who believed he may have placed blame on women involved in domestic violence situations. Smith apologized on both "First Take" and Twitter after seeming to insinuate that women could prevent domestic violence situation when referencing Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice assault against his wife.
Still, he was suspended from ESPN and a candid letter from the network president John Skipper was released Tuesday. In the letter appearing on ESPN.com, Skipper addressed network employees with his reasoning for suspending Smith for one week.
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"As many of you know, there has been substantial news coverage in the past few days related to comments Stephen A. made last Friday in the wake of the NFL's decision to suspend Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for two games following charges of assaulting his then fiancée, now wife, a few months ago," the letter reads. "We've said publicly and in this space that those remarks did not reflect our company's point of view or our values. They certainly don't reflect my personal beliefs."
It seems ESPN executives took some time to thoroughly investigate the matter before coming to the decision to suspend Smith.
"We have been engaged in thoughtful discussion about appropriate next steps. Those conversations have involved a diverse group of women and men in our company,"Skipper wrote. "Our women's [employee resource group] has added to the conversation, and going forward, I know they will help us continue constructive discussion on this and related issues."
While Skipper said he believes Smith's apology to be genuine, the CEO believes that the network can move past the matter when the journalist returns on Aug 6.
"I'm confident we will all move forward with a greater sense of enlightenment and perspective as the lasting impact of these last few days," the letter reads. "I want to thank all those whose thoughts have contributed along the way."
Smith took to his Twitter to react to the news of his suspension.
"My apology on @ESPN_FirstTake Monday morning speaks for itself," Smith tweeted. "I accept ESPN's Decision. See you all next Wednesday. God Bless!"
