Stephen A. Smith. Jim Cowsert/Getty Images

ESPN Breaks Silence On Stephen A. Smith's Absence From 'First Take'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 10:26 AM ET

ESPN viewers haven't seen Stephen A. Smith on TV for the past few days. While some might be enjoying that break, others are wondering what's going on behind the scenes.

Just a few months ago, ESPN signed Smith to an extension that'll pay him $100 million over the next five years. There's no question he's going to remain the face of the network.

"Stephen A. works incredibly hard to elevate the sports conversation day-in and day-out and we are grateful he will remain at ESPN," said Jimmy Pitaro, the network's chairman. "He is a difference maker, and fans are captivated by his deep sports knowledge, strong opinions and unmistakable flair."

Earlier this week, Awful Announcing called out the prominent ESPN personality with their latest opinion piece titled "America needs a vacation from Stephen A. Smith." That article caught an ESPN employee's attention.

John R. Manzo, the associate director of communications for ESPN BET, responded to that post from Awful Announcing. He let everyone know that Smith is actually on vacation through the end of the month.

"Stephen A. is actually on a well-deserved vacation into July, yet the conversation hasn't stopped," Manzo wrote on X. "A reminder his influence doesn't take a day off."

So there you have it, Smith won't be on ESPN until some point in July.

It makes sense for Smith to go on vacation right now since the NBA season is over and NFL training camp is still a few weeks away. According to Front Office Sports, the charismatic ESPN personality will receive an expanded role in the network’s NFL coverage.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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