It's been a rough stretch for one of sports media's biggest voices. Stephen A. Smith, the fiery host of ESPN's 'First Take,' has finally admitted that 2026 has taken a serious toll on him. The commentator, known for his bold takes and larger-than-life persona, says the year has been 'very, very difficult' amid mounting criticism from all corners.
Smith has faced backlash for wading deeper into political waters, speaking out on social and economic issues. That shift has drawn fire from both sides of the aisle, with some accusing him of overstepping his role as a sports analyst. But the most personal blow came from an unexpected source: comedian Kevin Hart.
During a Netflix roast, Hart included Smith on his so-called 'Mt. Rushmore of racism,' alongside Shane Gillis, Kid Rock, and Hulk Hogan. The comment stung Smith, who considered Hart a friend. 'I have no issue with the joke if it was a joke. If it wasn't a joke, I still wouldn't have an issue with it,' Smith explained. 'I have an issue with the fact that it came from him, somebody that I kind of know a little bit, that got a lot of love and respect for.'
The ESPN star opened up about why the jab hurt so much. He acknowledged that he's 'taken a lot of heat because of perceived positions that I may have had.' Smith added, 'At a time in my life, knowing I've spent my life fighting on behalf of my community, that people try to continue this narrative about me that I know is false, but that nevertheless still hurts to hear out of the mouth of anyone who knows me.'
This isn't the first time Smith has faced scrutiny over his commentary. He recently drew criticism for a rant about NASCAR, which led to calls for a full apology. And his ongoing feud with fellow ESPN personality Nick Wright has only added to the noise, with Wright blasting Smith for making sports media look 'delusional.'
Despite the challenges, Smith remains reflective rather than defensive. 'I'm not gonna front and ignore and fail to acknowledge that this year has been very, very difficult for me,' he said. 'From the standpoint that even though I've been very, very blessed and fortunate to secure my future in ways that I never thought imaginable, first at ESPN and then here at SiriusXM, the flip side to that is that I've taken a lot of heat because of perceived positions that I may have had.'
Smith also revealed that he's felt targeted by some within the Democratic Party, despite being a lifelong Democratic voter. 'You've had some people from the Democratic Party who don't know that I'm aware of the steps and the lengths that they've been willing to go through to silence me,' he said. It's a rare moment of vulnerability from a man who usually projects unshakable confidence.
Whether fans will sympathize with Smith is another question. But his willingness to admit the struggle adds a new layer to a figure who's often seen as invincible. As the year continues, all eyes will be on how he navigates the pressure and whether he can rebuild the trust that's taken a hit in 2026.
