Split image of Stephen A Smith and Dave PortnoyStephen A Smith and Dave Portnoy (Photos via YouTube)

ESPN’s Stephen A Smith has fired back at Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy following the latter’s demand for an apology regarding Drake Maye.

The ‘First Take’ host went viral for calling Maye a liar over claims that he didn’t know which show Cam Newton was on, suggesting that every pro athlete should be aware of his show’s pull and who’s on it.

Of course, that didn’t sit well with many people, including Portnoy, who noted that he had no idea either and that Stephen A. should apologize to the New England Patriots quarterback, asking that he show contrition not just toward the stud QB, but also toward the team’s owners and fans.

Smith, though, was having none of that.

“I’m hearing Dave Portnoy is demanding an apology,” he said on SiriusXM.

“First of all, you ain’t demanding s*** from me. Excuse my language. I respect Portnoy for a lot of different reasons. I really do. I’ve never had any issue with him. I don’t want to see no headline demanding an apology. What if I demand an apology for some of the things he says? So, please, give me a break.”

Stephen A Smith Claims He Was Joking

Stephen A Smith wiith headset onStephen A. Smith (Photo via Imagn Images)
Smith claimed that he was not being serious when he called Maye a liar and that Portnoy shouldn’t take such a hard stance, given the things he had said himself.

“Demanding an apology? Please. No demand from Portnoy is gonna affect me,” he continued.

“Let’s make sure we’re clear about that. But I respect him, and I respect what he’s accomplished and what he’s established for himself, and I wish him nothing but the best. Ain’t nobody demanding a damn thing from me. I’ll apologize if I want to apologize. And I won’t if I don’t.”


Smith did go on to say that he has the utmost respect for Portnoy and they have a good relationship; however, he felt like the Barstool owner was being overly harsh with him over something he said flippantly.