SerpApi.Org
On the heels of the numerous layoffs at ESPN that have taken place this week, many people believe that the reason those people have lost their jobs is because ESPN's top talents are being paid too much. One analyst believes that ESPN's top star, Stephen A. Smith, could have - and should have - done more to stop the layoffs.
On the latest episode of his Speakeasy show, sports analyst Emmanuel Acho responded to Smith's recent comments on the layoffs and believes he should have done more to save those people from losing their jobs. He pointed out that Smith has more than enough money and power within ESPN to keep the network from firing the likes of Tom Pelissero, Ryan Clark, Charles Davis and the others.
“Stephen A. Smith could have stopped this,” Acho said. “And that’s what’s weird to me about seeing this apology is, Stephen A., you both have enough power to go to the executives and say, ‘Yo, I don’t want him to get fired.’ And B, you have enough power and fiscal responsibility and freedom to say, ‘Yo, I will do whatever is in my power to make sure they don’t stop this.’”
Who has the power?
As impassioned as a speech as Acho delivered on behalf of the recently-fired employees, sports fans weren't as convinced that Smith could have really done much to save their jobs.
"I think people should recognize that MAYBE, just MAYBE, Stephen A don't have the power at ESPN that some think he do. There is a difference between POWER and LEVERAGE! He has great leverage but no power. The power lies with the bosses above him," one user on X replied to Acho.
"This is so wreckless. Comparing a negotiation to a layoff is apples and bowling balls. If ESPN truly wanted to keep Ryan Clark they would have . The only nuclear option Stephen A. could have had was if you let him go I quit and even then you're only prolonging the inevitable," wrote another.
"Bruh you can say SAS has all this cache all you want but what if just what if the network suits who are over him did what THEY wanted to do???" a third wrote.
"Maybe... maybe not... maybe he did and the suits reminded him that to them, he’s talent as well. Or they reminded him of what he makes and something has to give."
We can speculate endlessly over what could have or should have happened, but the decisions have been made and ESPN has to live with the consequences (if there are any).
