Stephen A. Smith to Curt Schilling: "Your ass is gone because you did not want to listen"
By Kyle Koster
After his firing, Curt Schilling decried what he believes to be a double standard at ESPN. On multiple occasions he levied the claim that Stephen A. Smith had argued Robert Griffin III lost the Washington Redskins quarterback job because of his race.
Smith responded to the comments on his Sirius XM radio show and brought the heat on Schilling.
"“What I was lamenting was the treatment of Jay Gruden and how specific he was in dissecting Robert Griffin III, compared to how celebratory he was about Kirk Cousins,” Smith said. “At no time did I imply or state that is why RGIII wasn’t playing because he is black. That is a lie.”"
Smith continued to say Schilling is no longer employed at the Worldwide Leader because of repeatedly ignoring warnings, not because of his conservative views.
"“Let me speak up on behalf of ESPN when I say this to Curt Schilling: …You are gone not because you have conservative views instead of liberal views. Your ass is gone because you did not want to listen,” Smith said on SXM. “ESPN tells me to shut-up, they’re my employer whether I like it or not. If I want to keep my job, I’ve got to shut the hell up.”"
Smith’s assessment is probably correct. Schilling’s refusal to alter his behavior after several incidents forced ESPN’s hand. That said, the First Take co-host seems like an odd messenger to deliver that message.
Smith famously threatened Kevin Durant and occasionally toes the line of conventional journalistic integrity. Perhaps that means he’s received similar behind-closed-doors warnings from his employers. If so, it doesn’t appear he’s toned down his act in any measurable form.
Smith offered to face off with Schilling, provided his employer signed off on the idea.
"“You (Schilling) want to sit here and have a debate about what really went on?” an indignant SAS asked. “Name the time and place and I’ll show up, with the permission of ESPN — of course. I guess listening to my boss makes me a bad guy. Well guess what? I’d rather be bad than stupid.”"
While entertaining, this seems quite unlikely. And it’s too bad, considering a no-holds barred grudge match between two of sports media’s most combustible figures would surely be must-see television or radio.