Stephen A. Smith Negotiated NBA Countdown Exit

Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN analyst and host of First Take, has clarified that he negotiated his departure from a regular role on the network's NBA Countdown pregame and halftime show as part of his recent contract renewal, dispelling rumors of a demotion.

ESPN announced earlier this week a revamped lineup for NBA Countdown, featuring host Malika Andrews alongside analysts Brian Windhorst, former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, and Boston Celtics veteran Kendrick Perkins. NBA insider Shams Charania will contribute regularly. Smith, who joined the show in 2003 when it was known as NBA Shootaround, will no longer appear full time but remains open to occasional appearances.

Speaking on his SiriusXM program, The Stephen A. Smith Show, on Tuesday, the 58-year-old personality explained that the change stemmed from discussions during his five-year contract extension with ESPN, valued at around $100 million and finalized in March. "I had a contract negotiation last year that started in June and ended in March, going into April," Smith said. "It was decided at that particular moment in time that I wouldn't be doing NBA Countdown anymore because I didn't want to."