Stephen A. Smith claims he facilitated Cari Champion hiring at ESPN

Stephen A. Smith stated he played a primary role in securing a position for Cari Champion at ESPN. During a recent discussion, Smith claimed he approached Skip Bayless to advocate for Champion before she joined the First Take program. Smith expressed frustration that his efforts have not been acknowledged, noting that he and Champion have crossed paths several times since she began her tenure at the network. He questioned why any underlying issues regarding their professional relationship were never addressed in private. Smith indicated that he viewed his past intervention as a significant gesture and suggested that a personal conversation would have been more appropriate than continued public silence. The comments mark a public development in the discourse surrounding the former ESPN colleagues.

• 11:11 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith feels disrespected and claims credit for landing Cari Champion ESPN job