The sports media world is buzzing after a fiery exchange between former ESPN colleagues Cari Champion and Stephen A. Smith. The two, along with Jemele Hill, sat down for a marathon three-hour podcast session that promises to be anything but tame. A leaked clip has already set the internet ablaze, with Champion directly accusing Smith of fabricating details about her career.
Champion, who hosted ESPN's "First Take" from 2012 to 2015 before moving to "SportsCenter," didn't hold back when Smith revisited the hiring process for that iconic show. "Skip Bayless did not want to hire you," Smith claimed, referring to his former co-host. Champion shot back, "Neither did you." The tension only escalated from there.
Smith then suggested that Champion had always wanted the "SportsCenter" gig, a claim she vehemently denied. "You wanted the job at 'SportsCenter.' You wanted to come back," Smith insisted. Champion's response was swift and sharp: "That is not true Stephen A. I know you lying. That is not true. We are disagreeing right now." Smith, however, stood his ground, replying, "We'll disagree. I don't lie."
This clash is just a taste of what fans can expect from the full episode, which was recorded for the Flagrant and Funny podcast. Champion teased the release on Instagram, writing, "We asked all the questions. @stephenasmith answered everything and explained his point of view. It was an honest session and no one held back. @jemelehill and I talked for THREE HOURS with our former colleague. We ALL had much to say!!" The first part drops Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, with part two following on Friday.
The reunion marks a rare moment where three of ESPN's most recognizable voices come together to clear the air. Hill, known for her candid takes, adds another layer to the conversation, making this a must-listen for sports fans. The dynamic between Champion and Smith has always been electric, but this time the gloves are off.
Champion's accusation of lying is a serious charge, especially given Smith's reputation as one of the most outspoken figures in sports media. The leaked clip has already sparked debate among fans, with many taking sides. Some applaud Champion for standing up to Smith, while others question the validity of her claims. Either way, the buzz is undeniable.
This isn't the first time Smith has found himself in the middle of controversy. He recently celebrated Ryan Clark's lucrative Netflix deal, showing his support for fellow media personalities. But this podcast reunion is a different beast—it's personal, raw, and potentially career-defining for those involved.
For Champion, this is about setting the record straight. She's built a career on authenticity, and she's not about to let anyone rewrite her history. Smith, on the other hand, is known for his unwavering confidence, even when the facts are murky. Their clash is a reminder of how contentious sports media can be, especially when egos and legacies are on the line.
The full episode is expected to cover much more than just Champion's career, with topics ranging from their time at ESPN to the broader state of sports journalism. Given the length—three hours—there's plenty of room for deep dives and unexpected revelations. Fans are already sharpening their popcorn in anticipation.
Whether you're a fan of Champion, Smith, or just love a good media dust-up, this podcast is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Tune in Wednesday and Friday to hear the full story unfold.
