Michelle Beadle and Stephen A. Smith.Michelle Beadle and Stephen A. Smith (Photos via Imagn Images)
Popular sports media personality Michelle Beadle didn’t mince words when discussing the stunning news that her show will be canceled in favor of Stephen A. Smith’s new program.

On Wednesday, news broke that Stephen A. Smith will produce and host two new shows on SiriusXM. One will be a sports talk program on Mad Dog Sports Radio, and the other will cover non-sports topics like politics and pop culture.

The two shows will hit the air in September, with Smith’s new sports program replacing the popular “Beadle and Decker” show in the 12-3 p.m. EST weekday slot. Beadle and Decker have held that slot on Mad Dog Sports Radio since Aug. 2023.

Upon learning that Smith’s new show will replace “Beadle and Decker”, Beadle went on a scathing rant while the program was live on the air:

“All I ask is to be treated with respect…we’re gonna do our shows, cause we’re contractually obligated to be here…

We’re coming in hot today, ladies and gentlemen…The cat’s out of the bag…We were only given a few hours’ notice, but we weren’t told any details. We were promised that no details would be released, we didn’t know even know who was taking our place in the lineup…

Unbeknownst to us, the Hollywood Reporter, of course, had all the details. It was a little embarrassing, I’m not gonna lie. Been in this business for 20-plus years, I’ve been treated poorly a couple of times. This didn’t feel good, I’m not gonna lie.”

The 49-year-old Michelle Beadle is one of the most experienced and accomplished sports reporters of her generation. She spent three years at ESPN (2009 to 2012) before a brief stint at NBC. Beadle returned to the Worldwide Leader in Sports in 2014 and stayed there for five years.

Stephen A. Smith’s Sports Media Empire Keeps On Growing

Stephen A. Smith Reveals New Role in Surprise Wednesday AnnouncementStephen A. Smith (Photo By Candice Ward-Imagn Images)
The announcement of Stephen A. Smith’s two new programs comes three months after he signed a massive multi-year extension with ESPN worth over $100 million. The new deal includes a reduced working schedule and the freedom to appear on other networks where he could discuss other topics such as politics.

And remember, Mr. Smith has flirted with the idea of running for President of the United States in the 2028 election. More sports programs means more opportunity to grow his audience and potential political fanbase.