‘I could be next’: Stephen A. Smith admits he ISN’T safe from raft of ESPN layoffs

Stephen A. Smith says he could be among the raft of cuts at ESPN, and has revealed that the brutal cull of on-air talent is not finished.

The media giant has already laid off around 20 members of its on-air staff, including the likes of 16-year NBA expert Jeff van Gundy and Jalen Rose.

While the decision to get rid of some big names has already sent shockwaves through the industry, Smith has hinted that he may not be exempt from the next cull – which he says is coming soon.    

‘ESPN just the other day laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent,’ he began in a monologue on his self-titled YouTube show. ‘As you all know: I work at ESPN, my day job is First Take. 

‘There are a lot of people who got laid off, friends of mine actually, respected colleagues who have done a phenomenal job and deserved better.

Stephen A. Smith has revealed he could be cut by ESPN as the on-air cull continues at pace

ESPN has axed NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy (center) as part of its cost cutting measures

Smith is one of the most high-profile on-air talents and presents First Take on weekdays

‘This ain’t the end. More is coming. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next. Let me tell you all something. Don’t ever, ever, ever in your life as a black person take anything for granted. I told you before, when white folks catch a cold, black folks catch pneumonia.’

Smith also opened up on Van Gundy and Rose specifically, and was clearly upset by the nature of their exit and the loss of their presence on the TV network.  

‘To see Jalen Rose gone, my brother,’ he said. ‘I have got a lot of love for that brother, a lot of the great work he has done over the years, and what he has represented for the company. 

‘He is a brilliant basketball mind and somebody that worked his a** off all the time.’

On Van Gundy, he noted that he is ‘another outstanding, brilliant basketball analyst for ESPN for years,’ before adding: ‘I could say I am going to miss him but I just cannot imagine he is going to be out of work for long. 

‘I am sure I’ll see him on the air doing his thing. Jeff Van Gundy is a Hall of Fame analyst and commentator.’ 

LaPhonso Ellis, Max Kellerman, Todd McShay and Keyshawn Johnson are also believed to have left according to widespread reports.

Jalen Rose (R) is also leaving ESPN as part of the roughly 20 on-air cuts that have been made

Pat McAfee is ESPN’s newest star and has received some heat from sports fans online

SportsCenter anchor Ashley Brewer was one of many people laid off from ESPN

Suzy Kolber also revealed she too had been laid off. She wrote on Twitter: ‘Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. 

‘Heartbreaking – but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career!

In a statement provided to Front Office Sports last week, ESPN said of the cuts:  ‘Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun.

‘This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. 

‘This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company.

‘These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.’