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Straight Shooter
Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes | Stephen A. Smith
4 posts | 4 read | 1 to read
Americas most popular sports media figure tells it like it is in this surprisingly personal book, not only dishing out his signature, uninhibited opinions but also revealing the challenges he overcame in childhood as well as at ESPN, and who he really is when the cameras are off. Stephen A. Smith has never been handed anything, nor was he an overnight success. Growing up poor in Queens, the son of Caribbean immigrants and the youngest of six children, he was a sports-obsessed kid who faced a number of struggles, from undiagnosed dyslexia to getting enough cereal to fill his bowl. As a basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he got a glimmer of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines. Smith hustled and rose up from a high school reporter at Daily News (New York) to a general sports columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer in the 1990s, before getting his own show at ESPN in 2005. After he was unceremoniously fired from the network in 2009, he became even more determined to fight for success. He got himself rehired two years later and, with his razor-sharp intelligence and fearless debate style, found his role on the show he was destined to star in: First Take, the networks flagship morning program. In Straight Shooter, Smith writes about the greatest highs and deepest lows of his life and career. He gives his thoughts on Skip Bayless, Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Cowboys, and former President Donald Trump. But he also pulls back the curtain and talks about life beyond the set, sharing authentic stories about his negligent father, his loving mother, being a father himself, his battle with life-threatening COVID-19, and what he really thinks about politics and social issues. He does it all with the same intelligence, humor, and charm that has made him a household name. Provocative, moving, and eye-opening, this book is the perfect gift for lovers of sports, television, and anyone who likes their stories delivered straight to the heart.
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Tkgbjenn1
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed reading this biography. I love Stephen‘s no excuses and true to himself opinions, initially in sports and now in the political world.

RamsFan1963 I think he's something of an ***hole, but I did enjoy his memoirs. He's pretty upfront with his flaws and biases. 2w
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currentlyreadinginCO
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Mehso-so

I appreciated Stephen A's candor in the areas of his negotiations with ESPN and his own growth opportunities. He explains his self-declared bombastic personality as his way of talking sports on TV like you might talk to friends and family. Little too much here on the Max Kellerman situation & a bit far afield towards the end.

S3V3N Did he keep repeating he wishes nothing but the best for Max in the book? I read an article once about that situation and I was like how many times do we have to hear that?😂😂😂 2y
currentlyreadinginCO That is EXACTLY the theme of his statements!! @S3V3N . I think that Stephen A might actually feel a bit bad about this one, haha. He also talks a lot about how Max didn't actually get fired, but as I finished this yesterday on the day that Max was eventually fired, I thought "hm this didn't age well" a few times ? 2y
37 likes3 comments
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RamsFan1963
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41/150 I will be the first to admit I'm no big fan of Stephen A. Smith. I think he's a pompous ass most of the time. So why read his autobiography? While his arrogance drives me up the wall, I can't deny he's one of the best sports commentators around. He has a distinct voice, and isn't afraid to let his opinions fly, no matter who it pisses off.
I don't have to like him to admire that. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
1st and only book finished for #20in4 @Andrew65

Susanita Does he shout the whole time he‘s reading it? 2y
RamsFan1963 @Susanita lol no but damn he talks fast!! 2y
Andrew65 Excellent, well done 👏👏👏 2y
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