It seems that NBA superstar Kyrie Irving is a bit confused about the massive salary Stephen A. Smith is earning from ESPN. Because he doesn't believe he's worth it.
Smith is probably the biggest name in sports broadcasting. His bold opinions over the last two decades have earned him a legion of fans and haters. They have also helped ESPN make a boatload of money from the shows he is on. That is why he landed a massive raise in the contract he recently signed with the network.
In March, it was revealed he inked a new five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN. Meaning he will average $20 million annually to appear on their airwaves. It is a staggering amount. But it is the nature of contracts in this era, and many professional athletes are earning astounding amounts, too.
However, they put their bodies on the line and have to maintain elite shape to keep earning their money. While Smith sits behind a desk and offers his opinion. Which sometimes seems nonsensical. That fact doesn't sit well with Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. And he aired some opinions of his own during a recent stream on his Twitch account .
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"I'm going to discuss Stephen A.'s contract. And I'm going to say he's not worth it," Irving said. "… Does Smith deserve to earn more than Wemby?"
San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama will earn just over $13 million next season. Irving, on the other hand, will take in $36 million next season, and could make as much $42 million if he opts into the final year of his contract in 2027-28.
It is debatable if either Smith or Irving truly deserves what they earn. Some in the business world will say it's a fair rate based on what their employers take in each year. Wherever you land in the debate, Irving clearly thinks what ESPN gave Smith was a big overpay.
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