ESPN Addresses Stephen A. Smith's Mysterious Absence From First TakeStephen A. Smith (Photo By Rich Storry-Imagn Images)
If you’ve been wondering where Stephen A. Smith disappeared to, you’re not alone. The outspoken First Take host hasn’t appeared on ESPN’s airwaves for the past few days, and his sudden absence has sparked plenty of online chatter, some curious, some relieved.

Turns out, there’s no behind-the-scenes drama or network shakeup at play. Smith is simply on vacation. And yes, according to ESPN, it’s been a long time coming.

Break For The Face Of ESPN

Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Controversial CommentsStephen A. Smith (Photo By Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
John R. Manzo, associate director of communications for ESPN BET, addressed the buzz on social media earlier this week. After Awful Announcing published an opinion piece titled “America needs a vacation from Stephen A. Smith,” Manzo responded directly on X, clarifying the situation.

“Stephen A. is actually on a well-deserved vacation into July, yet the conversation hasn’t stopped,” Manzo wrote. “A reminder his influence doesn’t take a day off.”

 

That influence remains significant. Just a few months ago, ESPN locked Smith into a massive five-year extension worth $100 million. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro called him “a difference maker” and emphasized how much Smith elevates the network’s daily sports conversation.

“Stephen A. works incredibly hard to elevate the sports conversation day-in and day-out and we are grateful he will remain at ESPN,” Pitaro said in the statement following the extension. “He is a difference maker, and fans are captivated by his deep sports knowledge, strong opinions and unmistakable flair.”

With the NBA season officially wrapped and NFL training camps still a few weeks away, the timing for a vacation makes sense. Front Office Sports recently reported that Smith will step into a larger role during ESPN’s NFL coverage this year, adding even more to an already packed schedule.

Until then, viewers will have to manage First Take without its most recognizable voice. Whether they miss him or not, Smith’s presence still looms large. Even when he’s not in the chair, he’s still in the conversation.

Angel Reese Reveals What She Conceals Behind Her One-Legging During GamesAngel Reese (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LSU Tigers star Angel Resse has been making a lot of headlines after her match against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Reese has a unique fashion for her matches, she wears leggings on only one of her legs and she recently revealed the secret of doing so.

Reese lost her recent game against the Iowa Hawkeyes which left the fans wondering if she would continue with LSU or declare for the WNBA draft. Those questions have also been answered by Reese in her recent collaboration with Vogue.

Why does Angel Reese wear one legging attire?

Angel Reese wears only one legging as a part of her one-court attire and the fans have grown curious about it. Many people speculated that it was part of a superstition that Reese followed, however, that is not the case. The LSU star has herself revealed the reason for the unique dressing choice and it may surprise a lot of people.

“I had surgery two years back on my shin. I have a rod in my leg… I cover the scar on one, and then the two players that I admire, Te’a Cooper and A’ja Wilson, also wear it, too. So it is swag. But I have used it to cover my scar,” said Angel Reese. She revealed that she had surgery on her leg and had a scar on it. She wears the leggings to hide that scar and at the same time as a swag fashion accessory.

Angel Reese declares for WNBA draft with Vogue photoshoot

After the Tigers failed to stand up against Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes the fans were left wondering if the LSU star Angel Reese would declare for the upcoming NBA draft. Reese has answered those questions with a beautiful photoshoot in collaboration with Vogue. Reese did a photo shoot with the brand and announced that she would be declaring for the WNBA draft.

Reese expressed her thoughts about the decision on her official X (formerly Twitter) account. “Making my announcement with VOGUE was ICONIC. In the new world that I am stepping into, just believe in me, trust in me, and give me time to learn and grow!” said Reese in the post. She thanked her supporters for their support and love and also asked them to trust her in her new journey.

What do you think of Angel Reese’s secret about the one-legging attire? Which do you think will pick up Reese in the draft? We are eager to know your thoughts, so drop down in the comments and let us know.