Straight Shooter Summary
Stephen A. Smith is a name synonymous with sports media. For years, the sports journalist has been the face of ESPN’s flagship morning program, First Take, known for his razor-sharp intelligence and fearless debate style. In his latest book, Straight Shooter, Smith offers a candid look at his life and career, revealing the challenges he faced growing up and the obstacles he overcame to become one of the most recognizable voices in sports media today.
The book starts with Smith’s childhood, growing up poor in Queens, New York, as the youngest of six children. He was a sports-obsessed kid who faced a number of struggles, including undiagnosed dyslexia and a lack of resources to provide basic necessities such as food. Despite these challenges, Smith was a determined individual who refused to let his circumstances hold him back.
At Winston-Salem State University, Smith got a glimpse of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines. This experience ignited a passion for sports journalism that would carry him through his career.
After a few years as a high school reporter at Daily News, Smith became a general sports columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer in the 1990s, before landing his own show at ESPN in 2005. He was unceremoniously fired from the network in 2009, but this setback only fueled his determination to succeed. He got himself rehired two years later and found his role on the show he was destined to star in: First Take.
In Straight Shooter, Smith offers his opinions on a range of topics, from Skip Bayless and Colin Kaepernick to the New York Knicks and the Dallas Cowboys. He also shares personal stories about his negligent father, his loving mother, being a father himself, and his battle with life-threatening COVID-19.
What sets Straight Shooter apart from other sports memoirs is its candidness. Smith is unafraid to reveal his true thoughts on politics and social issues, offering his perspective on topics ranging from Black Lives Matter to the #MeToo movement. He does it all with the same intelligence, humor, and charm that has made him a household name.
One of the most compelling chapters of the book is Smith’s account of his battle with COVID-19. He describes the experience as one of the most difficult challenges he has ever faced, admitting that there were times when he thought he might not survive. Smith’s description of his symptoms is both vivid and harrowing, a reminder of the toll the pandemic has taken on so many individuals and families.
Another standout chapter is Smith’s reflection on his relationship with his father. He describes the man as an absentee parent who was largely absent from his life, leaving his mother to raise six children on her own. Smith’s account is both poignant and heartbreaking, a reminder of the impact parents can have on their children’s lives.
Overall, Straight Shooter is a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on the world of sports media. Smith’s candor and humor make it an enjoyable read, while his personal stories add depth and resonance to the narrative. For anyone interested in sports or the media industry, this book is a must-read.
