Stephen A. Smith is getting slammed for his comments regarding Jimmy Kimmel‘s suspension from his ABC show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” While his suspension was officially connected to what he said about controversial far-right activist Charlie Kirk, many believe that it was more connected to him making fun of Pres. Donald Trump as Kimmel only mentioned Kirk in passing and was actually poking fun at the President.
One of those people slamming Stephen A. Smith is sports insider Robert Littal. The former Ohio State star turned analyst slammed Smith, claiming that the “First Take” host had always wanted to get Kimmel’s job.
“Stephen A. has wanted Kimmel’s job for years. He’s making moves behind the scenes,” claimed Littal.
Stephen A. has wanted Kimmel’s job for years. He’s making moves behind the scenes https://t.co/QP3uBCLGB4
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) September 18, 2025
ABC, which airs “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” shares the same parent company as ESPN, which airs “First Take.” That company is Disney, which also owns Marvel, Lucas Film, Pixar and Hulu. Since Kimmel’s firing, Disney has faced massive cancellations from their subscription services like Hulu and Disney+. As for Stephen A. Smith, he has been accused of towing the company line on the subject of Kimmel.
Kimmel joked about the MAGA movement trying to label Kirk’s assassin, a far-right follower of Kirk’s rival in the far-right movement, Nick Fuentes, as a leftist even though he came from a very conservative background. He then joked about Trump not caring much about Kirk and noted that the president cared more about the ballroom that he was building than grieving for his late follower.
Soon after, Trump-appointed FCC chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke the licenses of ABC’s network affiliates if Kimmel was not punished and claimed that he was disparaging the late Kirk. This led to several affiliates declaring they would not be airing Kimmel’s show, leading to Kimmel’s suspension.
Sports Personality May Be Giving Jimmy Kimmel a New Job After Suspension
Before he became a star on ESPN and founded “The Ringer,: Bill Simmons worked as a comedy writer for Jimmy Kimmel. Many believe that Kimmel’s next step would be to work for his old writer on “The Ringer.”
Fans believe that after hosting a corporate late night show, Kimmel should go independent and start his own podcast or do an independent show. Brian Stelter, a prominent media analyst, noted that Kimmel could go anywhere online, including livestreaming on YouTube.
However, given his connections to Simmons, he may do a podcast for his old comedy writer.
Related:
Cavinder Twins, Lane Kiffin, Pat McAfee and More Mourn Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death at 31
