America’s most beloved sports media figure is honest in this personal book. He not only shares his opinions, but also discusses the obstacles he faced in childhood and at ESPN.
Stephen A. Smith was never given anything and was not an overnight success. He was the youngest of six children and the only child of Caribbean immigrants. As a poor kid in Queens, he was an avid sportsman who had to overcome many obstacles, including undiagnosed dyslexia and getting enough cereal for his breakfast. He was a Winston-Salem State University basketball player and saw a glimpse of his true calling in writing a newspaper column advocating Clarence Gaines’ retirement.
Smith worked hard and rose from a high school journalist at Daily News, New York, to a general sports columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer during the 1990s. He then got his own show at ESPN in 2005. He was fired unceremoniously from the network in 2009. This made him even more determined to fight for his success. Two years later, he got himself rehired and with his razor-sharp intelligence, fearless debate style and sharp intellect, landed the role he was meant to play: FirstTake,the network’s flagship morning show.
Straight Shooter isSmith’s collection of personal stories about the highest and lowest points in his life and career. He shares his thoughts about Skip Bayless and Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick’s New York Knicks, Dallas Cowboys, former President Donald Trump. He also talks about life beyond the set. He shares authentic stories about his father’s negligence, his mother’s love, his struggle with COVID-19 and his thoughts on politics and social issues. He does all of this with the same intelligence and humor that made him a household favorite.
This book is a gift that’s both provocative and moving. It is a great choice for sports and television lovers.
Signings:
Tuesday, January 17th, 2006 at 6PM
@Bookends in Ridgewood NJ;
Wednesday, January 18th, at 1pm
@B&N Fifth & 46th Street in NYC
Thursday, January 19th at 12:01pm
@the Free Library of Philly
Saturday, Jan 21st at 5pm
@Baldwin & Co in New Orleans;
*And, if you are unable to make it in person at Sean’s event, Premiere will host a virtual event at 10 p.m. on Wednesday 18th.
