TIME magazine has finally entered the sports arena with its first-ever ranking of the 100 most influential people in the industry. The list is packed with heavy hitters—LeBron James, Shohei Ohtani, Roger Goodell, Bill Simmons, and Lionel Messi all made the cut. But one name that's notably missing from the roster is ESPN's loudest voice: Stephen A. Smith.
While the magazine gave nods to a handful of ESPN personalities—specifically Pat McAfee and Shams Charania—Smith was left out entirely. That omission didn't go unnoticed. Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy was among those scratching their heads, calling it 'strange' that Smith wasn't included.
“Strange. TIME names ESPN’s Pat McAfee and Shams Charania and others to its inaugural list of 100 most influential people in sports. But it leaves off ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith?” McCarthy tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many fans.
Fan Backlash Over List Choices
The snub of Stephen A. Smith isn't even the biggest controversy surrounding the TIME 100 list. Fans have been vocal about several questionable inclusions and exclusions. The most polarizing figure? LeBron James, who graces the cover as 'Athlete of the Century.' Critics argue that while LeBron is undeniably great, figures like Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, or Lionel Messi might have been more deserving of that title.
“I really appreciate LeBron. I think he's top five NBA player of all time. He's my exact age. Beat the odds in so many ways. Went to a crazy amount of finals. But how is this not Tiger or Brady or Messi?” one user commented, capturing the mixed reactions.
Other selections also raised eyebrows. Hilary Knight was chosen over Jack Hughes for Olympic hockey, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the list at all. “Hilary Knight over Jack Hughes. Yeah right. Clown world,” wrote another disgruntled fan.
Smith's Influence Beyond the Screen
Whether you love him or love to hate him, Stephen A. Smith is undeniably a force in sports media. He's a staple on nearly every major ESPN show, from 'First Take' to 'SportsCenter,' and his influence extends well beyond the network. His podcast, his occasional forays into politics, and his appearances on non-sports programs have made him a cultural figure. He's not just talking sports; he's shaping the conversation.
Recently, Smith has been vocal about everything from the Knicks' playoff run to advising Donald Trump to skip the NBA Finals. He's also been in the headlines for firing back at critics over the Spurs' national anthem gesture. His voice carries weight, even if TIME didn't see fit to include him.
So, Should Smith Have Made the Cut?
That's the million-dollar question. If the list is about influence—the power to change how we watch, talk about, and think about sports—then Stephen A. Smith is a strong candidate. He drives ratings, sparks debates, and keeps millions of fans engaged. On the other hand, the list includes executives, athletes, and media figures who operate behind the scenes, and Smith's absence might reflect a preference for quieter forms of influence.
But given that Pat McAfee and Shams Charania—both influential in their own right—made the list, it's hard not to wonder if Smith was simply overlooked. Perhaps TIME editors wanted to avoid the noise Smith brings. Or maybe they just didn't think he belonged. Either way, the snub has become a talking point, and that's exactly the kind of attention Stephen A. Smith thrives on.
What do you think? Should Stephen A. Smith have been on TIME's list? And if so, who should he replace? The debate is just getting started.
