What started as a lighthearted podcast comment from Michelle Obama has turned into a fiery public exchange with one of sports television’s biggest personalities.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t one to stay quiet—especially when the former First Lady compares him to a Real Housewife.
Michelle Obama Jokes About ESPN Drama
The whole thing kicked off when Michelle Obama, speaking on her “IMO” podcast, took a playful jab at ESPN’s loud and lively sports debates.
She said listening to the network felt like watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta, full of drama, arguing, and tension.
Specifically, she mentioned Stephen A. Smith, comparing him to a reality TV star.
Someone on the podcast even joked that Smith would make a “great Real Housewife”—and that’s when the sparks started flying.
Stephen A. Doesn’t Hold Back
Never one to let a comment slide, Smith fired back quickly—and publicly.
During a Monday night appearance with Sean Hannity on Fox News, the outspoken sports commentator responded with sharp words and a bit of trademark bravado.
“You can say a lot about me,” Smith said. “But the one thing you’ll never say is that I’m going to be a housewife.”
Drawing a Line Between Sports and Reality TV
Smith took offense not just to the joke, but to what he felt was a deeper misunderstanding of sports television.
He argued that comparing ESPN to reality shows misses the point entirely.
“We’re talking about world-class athletes on First Take,” he said.
“It’s not just people throwing drinks and yelling about who said what at a dinner party.
There’s a level of talent, history, and competition involved.”
He added that while his show gets animated and loud at times, there’s genuine camaraderie among the hosts: “We joke, we yell, we debate—but we love what we do and we love each other.”
Taking Issue With Political Remarks, Too
Smith also referenced past political comments made by Obama, particularly when she campaigned alongside Vice President Kamala Harris. She had urged voters not to support Donald Trump, calling such a vote “a vote against women.”
“I took major offense to that,” Smith said.
“It implied that a person like me, who might think differently politically, is somehow anti-woman. That’s just not fair.”
A Personal Swipe at Her Interest in Sports
As part of his rebuttal, Smith also threw in a little jab of his own—suggesting that Michelle Obama doesn’t really watch sports and probably “leaves that to her husband,” former President Barack Obama, who’s a well-known basketball fan.
Still at the Top Despite the Drama
Despite the unexpected back-and-forth, Smith ended his comments on a proud note, pointing to First Take’s massive success.
“We’ve been number one for 13 years straight,” he said. “And we’re still having fun doing it.”
Just a Joke or Something More?
It’s still unclear whether Michelle Obama meant her comment as a harmless comparison or a deeper critique.
But one thing’s for sure: Stephen A. Smith heard it loud and clear—and he’s not holding back.