Late last week, Bob Raismann of the New York Daily News reported that Stephen A. Smith is leaving ESPN Radio to join Sirius/XM's Mad Dog Radio station and will serve as a lead-in to Chris Russo.
Despite his big controversy after comments he made regarding domestic violence, most were under the impression that this story was not an indication that he was leaving ESPN television. Right now, he's on top of the world at the network due to the fact that he has his own show and is an NBA insider/analyst during their SportsCenter newscasts.
But now, according to Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead, Smith is in talks with Fox to join their sports and news networks. If Smith joins Fox News, it'll be one of the smartest things Roger Ailes has ever done because of the fact that Smith is a smart and sophisticated analyst who doesn't fit Fox's status quo. He would serve as a challenger to most of the host's points of views and would provide the news network with a very entertaining product.
Fox Sports would also be a major winner if they acquired his talents. They would acquire a personality with a built-in audience who is recognizable to the typical sports fan. Stephen A. could help boost Fox Sports's online product and/or host a television talk show which filled out Fox's schedule in the afternoon. Maybe they'll even simulcast his Sirius radio show if Mike Francesa's deal with Fox is cut short and/or moved to MSG or another New York-based net (maybe a multicast station of Fox's New York affiliate or the MyNet affiliate?).
In the same column, Bob Raismann also speculated that Rich Eisen could be making his way back to ESPN. Where does he fit? Maybe he's added to the rotation of "SportsCenter" Los Angeles anchors at 1 a.m. alongside some football duties? Maybe he's added onto College Gameday to replace Fowler if his workload gets to heavy next season? Maybe him and Trey Wingo essentially trade jobs? Maybe he pinch hits for Stuart Scott during Sunday night "SportsCenter" while Scott recuperates from his illness?
I personally believe he'll either re-sign with NFL Network or he'll join Dan Patrick's empire at DirecTV to replace Artie Lange as Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead has previously speculated. If he re-signs with NFL Network, you can be sure he'll take over for James Brown as the host of Showtime's "Inside The NFL" after Brown took over his job as the Thursday night football pre-game show host.
Speaking of "Inside The NFL," if Eisen doesn't get the job, I'll take my bet on Adam Schein. I'd also take my bet on the Epix television network competing for the right to air "Inside The NFL" after Showtime's contract runs out.
Epix is releasing a new documentary alongside the NFL which covers the first four African-American players to play in the league. It'll be screened by four NFL teams who will also hold town hall sessions at their facilities.
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