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Stephen A. Smith Blames Aaron Rodgers’ Covid On Pat McAfee

“For those that did not see First Take, it was clear Smith was only half-serious. That didn’t stop him from doubling down on the danger McAfee presents.”

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Aaron Rodgers will not be playing quarterback for the Green Bay Packers this week. He has tested positive for Covid-19 after choosing to skip the vaccine in favor of a homeopathic immunization therapy.

The story itself is strange. The existence of a homeopathic alternative to the Covid vaccine is even stranger. Strangest of all though is that Stephen A. Smith is pretty sure this is Pat McAfee’s fault.

“He came down with the ‘rona, hanging around with the wrong people. Probably Pat McAfee for all we know,” Smith said on Wednesday’s edition of First Take.

Aaron Rodgers makes time to join McAfee and AJ Hawk every Tuesday on the former punter’s SiriusXM show and has said multiple times that it is the only media outlet he trusts to share his thoughts and stories without any spin.

For those that did not see First Take, it was clear Smith was only half-serious. That didn’t stop him from doubling down on the danger McAfee presents.

“Listen I’m watching Pat on SmackDown and he’s doing a good job, but you’re hanging around with a bunch of people now, I mean Pat McAfee’s around A LOT of people,” he said.

What was even more notable is that Stephen A. Smith didn’t seem to think this was a big deal. He said that he expected Aaron Rodgers to miss a game and that the worst case scenario is that the Packers will be 7-2 after Sunday.

“If this were an injury that was gonna leave him out for weeks or whatever, then fine. But he’s just out cause he got the ‘rona.”

While Stephen A. Smith clarified that he still understands that Covid-19 is a threat, it was unexpectedly flippant language from someone that has been so adamant about the importance of getting vaccinated and doing all you can to stop the spread of the virus.

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Serena Williams to Host the 2024 ESPYS on ABC

“This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember.”

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Logo for the ESPYS and a photo of Serena Williams
Photo Courtesy: ESPN

On Thursday, July 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles will host the 2024 ESPYS Presented by Capital One, which will be emceed by tennis icon and cultural icon Serena Williams. Joining her on stage will be a lineup of top celebrities from both the world of sports and entertainment, all gathered to celebrate the past year’s noteworthy achievements in athletics. Together, they will honor standout performances, recall memorable moments, and recognize those whose talent has propelled them to the forefront of their respective fields.

“I couldn’t be more excited to host The ESPYS,” said Williams. “This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone on-stage in July.”

“In a year where women’s sports are being watched and celebrated like never before, it is a perfect fit to have perhaps the greatest female athlete of all time host The ESPYS,” said Kate Jackson, VP, Production, ESPN. “Given Serena’s spectacular on-court achievements and her overall cultural impact, she’ll bring elite star-power and dynamic energy as host of the show. We are thrilled to work with her to shape a powerful and entertaining show celebrating the best moments in sports this year.”

The ESPYS will come one day after the debut of the first episode of the ESPN+ Original Series In the Arena: Serena Williams, an 8-part series that offers a comprehensive and personal look into her iconic career. The series will showcase exclusive interviews with Williams and key figures who have played a significant role in her life.

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Chris Paul Joins ESPN as Guest Analyst for Eastern Conference Finals Coverage on ‘NBA Countdown’

“Every game is different, so those guys are trying to figure out what they’ve got to do to get a win.”

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Chris Paul
Courtesy: D. Ross Cameron, USA TODAY Sports

National Basketball Association point guard and 12-time All-Star Chris Paul has joined ESPN as a guest analyst covering the Eastern Conference Finals, as announced by The Walt Disney Company at its 2024 Upfront. Paul, who recently played the 2023-24 season with the Golden State Warriors, averaged 9.2 points per game, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 58 games played. The NBA veteran will now be taking part in his first media venture in his new role with the network on NBA Countdown where he will join host Malika Andrews, analysts Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers and Michael Wilbon and senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski on the show.

“Every game takes on a life of its own, so every game is different home and away,” Paul said while discussing the NBA Playoffs at the Disney Upfront event. “…Every game is different, so those guys are trying to figure out what they’ve got to do to get a win.”

Paul himself has competed in two Western Conference Finals throughout his NBA career, most recently qualifying for the round when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns during the 2020-21 campaign. The Suns defeated the LA Clippers in six games to advance to the NBA Finals where the team faced Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is learned.

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ESPN Confirms Jason Kelce Joining ‘Monday Night Countdown’

“Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans.”

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Jason Kelce
Courtesy: Brian Bowen Smith, Disney

ESPN has announced that 13-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce has agreed to a multi-year deal with the company and will appear on Monday Night Countdown beginning with the 2024 season. Kelce will be a part of the network’s slate of 23 regular-season NFL games in addition to two postseason contests – a Super Wild Card weekend game and divisional round playoff game. Kelce was joined on stage by new colleagues Scott Van Pelt, Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark at The Walt Disney Company Upfront on Tuesday afternoon from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

“Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans,” Burke Magnus, president of content at ESPN, said in a statement. “Walking off the field and immediately to ESPN, viewers will benefit from his perspective which has been shaped through his years as an established locker room leader and a future Hall of Fame center. Jason’s addition to Monday Night Countdown will greatly strengthen our NFL coverage.”

Kelce, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, will also become a member of studio coverage for ESPN’s presentation of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles, Calif., taking place in February 2027 airing on ESPN and ABC. Kelce will also engage in additional postseason studio appearances each year, which includes programming during the NFL Conference Championship weekend.

“Turns out it was a short retirement!,” Kelce said in a statement. “I’m excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team. ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports. To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment. And, I mean it’s freaking Monday Night Football! and I’m ready for some football.”

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