Stephen A. Smith Says Contract Talks With ESPN Have Been “Constructive,” Calls Report Of $120M Payday “A Lie”

deadline.com:

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said talks about a contract renewal with the Disney-owned sports outlet have been “constructive,” but he firmly denied a report his renewal may be worth $120 million.

The popular commentator, a ubiquitous presence across ESPN who also harbors ambitions to explore new horizons like late-night talk across the Disney universe, made the comments Monday after calling in to Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s daily show on SiriusXM.

Russo is a weekly guest on ESPN’s Smith-hosted First Take. “Talks have been constructive and beneficial but we haven’t reached an agreement yet and until that comes, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve got six months or so to go to do the best job I possibly can do,” Smith said.

His contract is officially due to expire June 30. Teased by Russo about the eye-popping value of the contract, Smith dismissed a report earlier this month by The Athletic pegging it at $120 million, going on to briefly elaborate on his dealmaking approach. “I can assure you it’s not for $120 million.