Recently, ESPN has taken a noticeable shift in focus as sports commentators move away from traditional debates, such as those about the greatest of all time (GOAT) athletes, and delve into political discussions. Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN personality and potential presidential candidate, exemplifies this trend. This shift raises questions about the current political climate and what the increasing politicization of sports media indicates about society’s future.
In a discussion on the NPR podcast “Code Switch,” host Brittany engages with Gene Demby, co-host of the show, and Joel Anderson, a Senior Staff Writer at The Ringer. They explore the growing political nature of sports commentary and consider why Stephen A. Smith, the medium’s most viral figure, might seriously contemplate a presidential run in 2028.
