Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Culture

Stephen A. Smith calls out Mike Florio for implying everyone at ESPN supports Protect College Sports Act

ESPN has loudly promoted advocacy for the Protect College Sports Act, but Stephen A. Smith insists not everyone at the Worldwide Leader supports the legislation. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio caught Smith’s attention over the weekend when he published an article titled, “ESPN continues its not-so-subtle advocacy for the Protect College Sports Act.” The article…

Stephen A. Smith calls out Mike Florio for implying everyone at ESPN supports Protect College Sports Act

Stephen A. Smith expressed frustration on his SiriusXM Radio show over Mike Florio's headline implying that all ESPN employees support the Protect College Sports Act. Despite ESPN's visible advocacy for the legislation through various appearances and interviews, Smith argued that not everyone within the network shares this stance.

He pointed out that Florio was speaking with "one of them right now," suggesting that there are numerous individuals at ESPN who do not advocate for the act. Smith acknowledged the need for certain modifications to the legislation, but ultimately disagreed with the overall approach. He believes there should be limits on college athletes' transfers and earnings, but opposes the Protect College Sports Act as a whole.

Smith also criticized the idea of implementing such rules through legislation rather than through collective bargaining between players and schools. He questioned why Congress would push for the act before players could negotiate their own terms. Smith emphasized the importance of collective bargaining in shaping rules and limitations for college athletes, suggesting that ESPN's advocacy on the issue has been less consistent than Florio's portrayal of its support.

Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Also reported by 1 other outlet

Read the original at sports.yahoo.com →

More in Culture

Astros vs. Royals Game Discussion: 9/15/2026

TONIGHT’S GAME: The first-place Astros will open their final homestand of the regular season tonight as they welcome in the Royals for an important three-game series in Houston, TX. Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (5-3) will try to pitch the Astros back into the win column tonight as he starts opposite RHP Michael Wacha (9-8) […]

2028 4-star TE Connor Arant commits to Oklahoma

Bixby (Okla.) four-star Connor Arant, one of the top tight end prospects in the 2028 cycle, has committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, becoming the latest local blue-chipper to opt for the SEC program. Arant chose head coach Brent Venables, tight ends coach Jason Witten and the Oklahoma staff over a wave of other offers, including […]

More from Tuesday 15 September →