USA to Host ESPN's Stephen A. Smith

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Posted on February 24, 2016

Joy Washington

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“You don't have the right to hold somebody accountable for standards you refuse to apply to yourself” - Sports Journalist Stephen A. Smith

Sports journalist Stephen A. Smith is known as one of the strongest and most distinct voices in sports commentary today. Smith will deliver his unique and bold message about “The Legacy, History and Impact of the African American Athlete” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center Arena on the main campus. This Black History Month event is free and open to the public.

“We invite the University family and community to come out and support the evening event,” said Dr. Carl Cunningham, director for USA’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. “We are pleased that Stephen will meet with student leaders prior to the public event.”

Smith built his foundation as a journalist in New York and Philadelphia. He is now one of the preeminent voices in the African American community. He’s a graduate of Winston-Salem State University. His journalism career began as a high school sportswriter at the New York Daily News.

He then started covering college basketball for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he reported on everything from college basketball and football at Temple University to national college basketball and football. He ultimately covered the National Basketball Association. After four years as a beat writer for the Philadelphia 76ers, he became an NBA columnist, and then was promoted to general sports columnist, becoming one of only 21 African Americans in the nation to hold such a title at that time.

Smith has been heard and seen on ESPN's  “Shootaround,” “SportsCenter,” “ESPN News,” and his own talk show, “Quite Frankly.” Smith has also been a regular guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” “The ED Show,” “Hardball” and Fox News’ “Hannity.” He has also served as a guest on CNN’s “Larry King Live” and “Your Money.” Smith also co-hosted “The View” twice. Currently, Smith is ESPN’s weeknight radio show host in several markets and a columnist for ESPN.com.

For more information, contact the USA Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at (251) 460-6895.

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For a list of Black History Month events at South, visit the website of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. 

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