Stephen A. Smith criticizes Dan Orlovsky for his language on First Take

During a segment on the September 11, 2026, broadcast of First Take, Stephen A. Smith interrupted analyst Dan Orlovsky to critique his use of the word "fudge." Orlovsky had been discussing the Los Angeles Rams' performance in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, which took place in Melbourne, Australia. Smith labeled the term corny and advised Orlovsky to avoid using it on television. Smith suggested that continuing to use the word could lead to an accidental slip of a more offensive profanity on air. The exchange followed Orlovsky’s critique of the Rams' execution during the game. Smith did not address the substance of Orlovsky’s commentary, focusing instead on his choice of vocabulary during the live production. Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, remains a regular contributor to the program.

• 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith urges Dan Orlovsky to never use the word ‘fudge’ again: ‘It’s corny as hell’