Posts Tagged ‘ESPN First Take’

Mr. Smith comes to Syracuse

Friday, February 17th, 2012
Speaking Quite Frankly: Stephen A. Smith

Speaking Quite Frankly: Stephen A. Smith

Writer, TV personality and NBA insider Stephen A. Smith came to Syracuse University last night and schooled the students on the importance of building your work ethic as well as your personal brand.

Smith fielded dozens of questions ranging in topics from changing a major to the good bad and ugly of NBA players: Tim Duncan, Jeremy Lin, Kwame Brown and Allen Ivrerson.

He said being in college is a great place and time to pay your dues on the way to seeking any particular career path. “I’ve never taken less than 17 credit hours when I was in school…” he said. “…I also liked to party.”

Stephen A. Smith tells SU students to pay their dues.

Stephen A. Smith tells SU students to pay their dues.

Smith’s talk, which was partly motivational, but delivered in his trademark sarcasm and ribs, also touched on the the NCAA Tournament, TV revenue for sports, politics and the evolution of the black athlete.

According to Smith, too many fans over-celebrate contenders before they become champions.