Nothing says sincere like a pre-taped apology.
Stephen A. Smith backtracked from his comments on Friday’s “First Take” when he suggested women have a role in provoking men in domestic violence disputes.
“I made what can only amount to the most egregious error of my career,” Smith said at the start of Monday morning’s show on ESPN2.
“While elaborating on thoughts concerning the NFL’s ruling on Ray Rice, following a domestic dispute with his then-fiancée, I ventured beyond the discussion by alluding to a woman’s role in such heinous matters, going as far to use the word ‘provoke’ in my diatribe.”
Smith’s comments drew the ire of fellow ESPN-er Michelle Beadle, who blasted Smith Friday on Twitter and helped bring attention to the poorly presented argument on the controversial debate show.
“My words came across as this was somehow a woman’s fault. This is not my intent. It is not what I was trying to say. Yet, the failure to truly articulate something different lies squarely on my shoulders. To say what I actually said was foolish was an understatement, to say I was wrong was obvious, to apologize, to say ‘I’m sorry,’ doesn’t do the matter justice to be quite honest, but I do sincerely apologize,” Smith said.
“As a man raised by the greatest mothers in the world, and four older sisters, I’ve religiously spoken out against domestic violence all of my life. … I’ve experienced and dealt with the matter within my own family. Unfortunately, I did an incredibly poor job of asserting my own view on Friday, particularly to victims of domestic abuse and female members of my own family that I’ve disappointed. I know better, you all deserved a better professional — and quite frankly a better man — on this very stage last Friday.”
The show’s host, Cari Champion, followed Smith’s apology by thanking him, and speaking out on the NFL giving the Ravens’ Rice just a two-game suspension for hitting his fiancée.
And then Skip Bayless and Smith hotly debated LeBron James’ decision to wear No. 23 for the Cavaliers next season.