Stephen A. Smith (Photo via ESPN)

Popular analyst Stephen A. Smith has been a central figure in ESPN’s NBA coverage for more than two decades. Recently, his relationship with the network made headlines after ESPN instructed him to stop promoting Solitaire Cash.

But ESPN made an even bigger move this week. They officially revealed a redesigned NBA Countdown lineup that no longer includes Smith. On his SiriusXM show Tuesday, Smith responded to the reactions surrounding ESPN’s announcement of its revamped studio crew.

“So essentially, it’s talking about me no longer doing NBA Countdown. Let me say this. I had a contract negotiation last year that started in June and ended in March going into April. It was decided at that particular moment in time that I wouldn’t be doing NBA Countdown anymore because I didn’t want to,” Smith said.

“I love doing the show. But after the show is over, I got a whole bunch of other stuff that I want to do. And I didn’t want to be stuck in studio until midnight. No shade against ESPN,” he continued.

The network’s new NBA Countdown team will feature Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone, Brian Windhorst, and Shams Charania alongside host Malika Andrews. Stephen A Smith also made sure to praise the incoming crew wholeheartedly.

“No shade against my wonderful colleagues. Malika Andrews is an exceptional host. Working with my man Big Perk is obviously something I always want to do. Brian Winters is absolutely fabulous. Shams Sharania is great. Mike Malone, former coach of the Denver Nuggets, I think is going to do an outstanding job. He did a great, great job with us covering the Western Conference Finals.”

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies He Chose To Leave NBA Countdown

Stephen A. Smith (Photo via Imagn Images)

Stephen A Smith took time to address misconceptions surrounding the network’s decision. He explained in his detailed statement that his departure was planned long in advance.

“It was always my intent to come off. Something I negotiated. So just so we’re clear, this story is a non-story. This is not some epiphany that everybody is getting attached to, like, “Oh my God, this just happened, and he’s been yanked off the show. No, that didn’t happen like that. I’m available when needed. And when I’m not needed, I got other stuff to do on my own. That’s how that works,” Smith said.

Earlier in the year, Smith signed a five-year extension with ESPN worth more than $100 million. Even with the lineup shift, he will continue serving as the face of First Take. Meanwhile, the new NBA Countdown crew will handle pregame and halftime duties on ESPN broadcasts, beginning Wednesday, November 19.