Straight Shooter

A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes

By: Stephen A. Smith

Narrated by: Stephen A. Smith

AN NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE

America’s most popular sports media figure tells it like it is in this “raw, deeply authentic, and immensely entertaining” (Bob Iger, #1 New York Times bestselling author and CEO of The Walt Disney Company) book, not only dishing out his signature, uninhibited opinions but also revealing the challenges he overcame in childhood as well as at ESPN.

Stephen A. Smith has never been handed anything, nor was he an overnight success. Growing up poor in Queens, the son of Caribbean immigrants and the youngest of six children, he was a sports-obsessed kid who faced struggles, from undiagnosed dyslexia to getting enough cereal to fill his bowl. As a basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he got a glimmer of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines.

Smith hustled and rose up from a reporter on the high school beat at Daily News (New York) to a general sports columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer before getting his own show at ESPN in 2005. After he was unceremoniously fired from the network in 2009, he became even more determined to fight for success. He got himself rehired two years later and, with his razor-sharp intelligence and fearless debate style, found the show he was destined to star in: First Take, the network’s flagship morning program.

In Straight Shooter, Smith writes about the greatest highs and deepest lows of his life and career. He gives his thoughts on Skip Bayless, Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Cowboys, and former President Donald Trump. But he also pulls back the curtain and talks about life beyond the set, sharing authentic stories about his negligent father, his loving mother, being a father himself, his battle with life-threatening COVID-19, and what he really thinks about politics and social issues. He does it all with the same intelligence, humor, and charm that has made him a household name.

A provocative and moving “blueprint of tenacity” (Fat Joe), this book is the perfect gift for lovers of sports, television, and anyone who likes their stories delivered straight to the heart.

©2023 Stephen A. Smith (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

One of the best books I have listen too.

This has to be one of the best audiobooks I have heard in a long time. The author, Mr. Stephen A., reads a beautiful compelling story of struggle and success. It hits home at times with loved ones and family, while other times builds the beauty of how working hard pays off. I laughed, (while he spoke of the Cowboys, lol) , took note at how to achieve success and cried along the way when he spoke of his mother. I hope he writes another book. I am a fan for life. Thank you for writing this book.

Wonderful

I watch you everyday!! This book was so inspiring, insightful and an amazing!! You did this!!!

My respect increased more than before.

I’m not one to write reviews, but THIS book touched my soul. Your life story awakened my memories I repressed. Thanks Mr. Smith for helping me change my prospective on my experiences through your story. Thanks a lot. God knows how thankful I am for your story.

Transparency all the way!

I’m intrigued by successful people who take the time to tell their story, the good the bad and the ugly. Stephen,A. did just that! I see him in a different light now! I appreciate him for helping me by sharing his story in this book.

Awesome listen/read. He spoke the truth straight up!

I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen A’s candor no holds bar spoken word about his life journey as a son, brother, student, athlete and journalist. We all make mistakes in life but hell get back up and face reality once again. I admired how he waited to speak the truth about his father once his sweet yet stern mother had passed and his true feelings toward him while eulogizing Mr. Smith. First 15 minutes of listening I called one of my dear friends who is an avid reader then I text my baby Brother.

Superb!

Stephen A didn’t disappoint. It’s a must read for anyone who likes or dislikes him. Great story telling and details. A must read!

Very enjoyable and inspiring

I very much enjoyed the story from start to finish. It’s very inspiring to know who is gone through similar struggles to try to make something of myself

Mike Dates

best book I have heard in a long time. very great full for him to write this book .

OUTSTANDING!!!

I always appreciate the back story associated with the fame that a person has attained. Stephen A. Smith has definitely told his story in this book. I can appreciate him a lot more.

Earned a lot more respect for SAS

Great read! Helps you understand the importance of forgiveness, persistence, gratitude, and most importantly God and family!