Stephen A. Smith (Photo By Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
Stephen A. Smith had teased a big reveal on ESPN’s First Take, and true to his word, he delivered something unexpected, with plenty of flair. On Wednesday, Smith confirmed he’s heading back to his radio roots with a brand-new weekday show on Mad Dog Sports Radio.

The veteran broadcaster isn’t just staying busy, he’s everywhere. From breaking down NBA matchups for ESPN to popping up on shows like General Hospital and Law & Order, Smith has kept fans on their toes. He’s even found time to appear on political programs, including NewsNation.

Now, he’s adding a fresh chapter with SiriusXM, all while stirring speculation about a possible presidential run in 2028.

A New Mic, A Familiar Voice

Stephen A. Smith (Photo By Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
Smith announced that he’ll host a daily sports talk show on Mad Dog Sports Radio, beginning in September. The program will blend his signature commentary on sports with discussions on politics, pop culture, and current events. It’s a reunion of sorts for Smith, who’s joined Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s show before and clearly enjoyed the chemistry.

“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a SiriusXM press release. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing.”

Beyond just another media gig, this move marks Smith’s return to live radio, a medium he hasn’t worked in full-time for years. His enthusiasm for reconnecting with listeners and taking live calls again came through loud and clear.

“September can’t come soon enough,” he added. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… Especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get restarted. Buckle up! I’m coming.”

Smith’s announcement comes at a time when his name is popping up in more than just sports circles. He acknowledged that people close to him- including political figures and even his own pastor- have urged him to consider a run for president in 2028. For now, he’s leaving that door cracked open.

Whether he ends up on a campaign trail or stays behind a mic, Stephen A. Smith has no plans to slow down.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’