First Take may look a bit different this month. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has announced that he will not be in studio for approximately one month after suffering a partial tear in his bicep and rotator cuff. The sports personality shared the news via Twitter on Thursday.
“[I] appreciate the love I’ve been receiving from everyone who’s missed me on First Take. I’m out because I’m rehabbing from shoulder surgery,” he tweeted.
“[I suffered a] partial tear [in my] rotator cuff and bicep, along with frayed Labrum, plus a Bone Spur. Aging sucks, but it is what it is. [I’ll be] back next month.”
In his absence, ESPN has substituted a number of its high-profile personalities. Recently, Dominique Foxworth stepped in to debate Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on the popular sports show. Louis Riddick, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Windhorst and several others have appeared on the show. Not to mention, Christine Williamson has also filled in for moderator Molly Qerim this week.
Upon Smith’s return, ESPN may look a bit different. Earlier this month, fantasy football analyst Matthew Berry announced his departure from the network after 15 years. This week, Bomani Jones announced that he would be taking an indefinite leave from his work at ESPN. In contrast, the network will begin to usher in its new Monday Night Football crew in August as the NFL season nears.
