Sports journalist and TV host Stephen A. Smith is still in hot water over his assertions regarding domestic violence, and he apparently needs to be punished. ESPN has suspended Smith for a week for the comments that stemmed from the NFL slapping Ray Rice on the wrist for beating his girlfriend.
The suspension means the often-controversial and never-timid figure will not appear on his show “First Take” or his ESPN radio show until next Wednesday.
During a discussion with Skip Bayless about Rice’s suspension, Smith said he would tell women to make sure they’re not doing anything “to provoke wrong actions.” He went on to instruct men on what not to do should they find themselves in a predicament in which an intimate partner is instigating a fight with them.
Smith apologized on Tuesday before ESPN released a statement, reading:
“We will continue to have constructive dialogue on this important topic. Stephen’s comments last Friday do not reflect our company’s point of view … As his apology demonstrates, he recognizes his mistakes and has a deeper appreciation of our company values.”