Stephen A. Smith Offers On Air Apology Over Domestic Violence Comments [Video]

On Friday’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith shared his somewhat controversial comments about domestic violence while discussing the NFL’s decision to suspend Ray Rice for two games stemming from an incident involving his wife last February.

Stephen A’s ESPN peer Michelle Beadle took exception with it, and voiced her displeasure on Twitter. Smith attempted to explain himself on Twitter Friday afternoon, but that didn’t go over to well. So, on Monday’s episode of First Take, Stephen A. apologized for what he said and how he said it.

 

“On Friday, speaking right here on First Take on the subject of domestic violence, I made what can only amount to the most egregious error of my career,” Smith said in a taped segment at the top of the show, referencing his comments that seemed to suggest women provoke men into domestic violence.

“My words came across that it is somehow a woman’s fault,” he said. “This was not my intent. It is not what I was trying to say. Yet the failure to clearly articulate something different lies squarely on my shoulders.”

ESPN also issued a statement:

“We will continue to have constructive dialogue on this important topic,” the statement said. “Stephen’s comments last Friday do not reflect our company’s point of view. As his apology demonstrates, he recognizes his mistakes and has a deeper appreciation of our company values.”