Stephen A. Smith is front and center as the star of First Take’s new era, and he received highlight treatment on Thursday. ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky surprised the media icon with a detailed critique of his debate style.
Orlovsky is known for his enthusiastic film breakdowns of NFL teams and players, but he decided to tweak his signature skill to throw Smith off his game when they debated on Thursday.
“Alright Stephen A.,” Orlovsky began. “I’m always coming on your show, and you’re saying, ‘I’m watching you, I’m paying attention to everything you say,’ because you’re trying to jump on me and my takes. So I wanted to let you know that I’m also watching you.”
The first thing in Orlovsky’s sights was Smith’s happy feet during his debate with Michael Irvin.
“There’s some things I wanna share with you when it comes to the way you go about your business,” Orlovsky declared. “First of all, as we watch this tape, watch your feet and all the movement that it has. Stephen A. put your feet in the ground and be where you are. This is not dance class lessons with Stephen A. and Michael Irvin.”
Dan Orlovsky pulled zero punches in the segment, poking fun at his colleague. He even called out Smith’s style choices at one point.
“Number two Stephen A.,” Orlovsky said. “Keep your hands out of your pockets; also, can I get a bone-in filet? What is this outfit? Get some better color coordination. Get your hands out of your pockets Stephen A., this is television!”
Stephen A. rolled with the jabs as he, Molly Qerim-Rose, and Orlovsky discussed the film breakdown.
“Oh all of y’all done started something now!” Smith said behind a smile. “They talked about my outfit?! That was low, him [Orlovsky] with some of his damn suits he be wearing talking about my outfit?”
Qerim-Rose pointed out that she knows her co-hosts security blanket now: Left hand in the pocket. Time will tell how Smith claps back at Dan Orlovsky as First Take continues their rotating cast of debaters going to head-to-head with Smith.