Stephen A. Smith's altercation with LeBron James last week left many with a negative opinion of the longtime ESPN personality, and that includes one of his former colleagues at the network. In a clip released through Outkick,

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most powerful sports commentators in the world. His influence, pointed comments, and knowledge of the NBA and other sports has helped him build up his wealth.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has revealed he now no longer has to seek the network's permission to discuss certain topics outside of sports after signing a new deal with the broadcaster

Smith will continue to star on ESPN’s morning show “First Take,” while continuing to host his YouTube show and flirt with politics.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is getting a raise. Smith, a featured commentator and executive producer of the sports network’s morning sports talk show “First Take,” signed a new five-year deal with the network,

The sports world is still reacting to the viral confrontation between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. James went up to Smith during the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New York Knicks and asked the longtime ESPN personality to refrain from mentioning his son Bronny.

Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter who rose to fame by pioneering the art of the sports debate show, has agreed with ESPN on a new five-year, $100 million contract, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC. The deal was first reported by The Athletic .

If it wasn’t clear before, it is now. The biggest holdup in what Stephen A. Smith called an “excruciating” contract extension process wasn’t just the money — it was his freedom. Smith made it clear that he no longer needs ESPN’s permission to talk politics,