Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes

Written by Stephen A. Smith

Narrated by Stephen A. Smith

AN NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE

America’s most popular sports media figure tells it like it is in this “raw, deeply authentic, and immensely entertaining” (Bob Iger, #1 New York Times bestselling author and CEO of The Walt Disney Company) book, not only dishing out his signature, uninhibited opinions but also revealing the challenges he overcame in childhood as well as at ESPN.

Stephen A. Smith has never been handed anything, nor was he an overnight success. Growing up poor in Queens, the son of Caribbean immigrants and the youngest of six children, he was a sports-obsessed kid who faced struggles, from undiagnosed dyslexia to getting enough cereal to fill his bowl. As a basketball player at Winston-Salem State University, he got a glimmer of his true calling when he wrote a newspaper column arguing for the retirement of his own Hall of Fame coach, Clarence Gaines.

Smith hustled and rose up from a reporter on the high school beat at Daily News (New York) to a general sports columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer before getting his own show at ESPN in 2005. After he was unceremoniously fired from the network in 2009, he became even more determined to fight for success. He got himself rehired two years later and, with his razor-sharp intelligence and fearless debate style, found the show he was destined to star in: First Take, the network’s flagship morning program.

In Straight Shooter, Smith writes about the greatest highs and deepest lows of his life and career. He gives his thoughts on Skip Bayless, Ray Rice, Colin Kaepernick, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Cowboys, and former President Donald Trump. But he also pulls back the curtain and talks about life beyond the set, sharing authentic stories about his negligent father, his loving mother, being a father himself, his battle with life-threatening COVID-19, and what he really thinks about politics and social issues. He does it all with the same intelligence, humor, and charm that has made him a household name.

A provocative and moving “blueprint of tenacity” (Fat Joe), this book is the perfect gift for lovers of sports, television, and anyone who likes their stories delivered straight to the heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jan 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797152257

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith rose from a reporter on high school sports at the Daily News (New York) and college and NBA beat reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer to become the face of ESPN and its most important on-air personality. He is the star of the #1 morning sports talk show First Take; a premiere analyst on ESPN and ABC’s NBA Countdown; the host of NBA in Stephen A’s World on ESPN2 and ESPN+; and the host and producer of the podcast K[no]w Mercy with Stephen A. Smith. Smith has more than 12 million followers across social media platforms, and his opinions on sports make daily headlines. Follow him on Twitter @StephenASmith.

Reviews for Straight Shooter

[digithustlenews · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a bigger fan of Steven A. after this. ?

[Tee S · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. This book could have easily been entitled "Navigating Through Life". This book will cause you to think about your own path. Thanks Stephen A. for exposing parts of your life to us. And that "A" stands for amazing

[Dee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I truly enjoyed this book, I could literally feel the raw emotion and envisioned the scenes as it unfolded. Well written…Bravo
Continued Success

Mrs. Patterson
RVA

[Debbie Stroughter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must read. I am familiar with Stephen A, because my son is a fan and decided to read his book. My first time reading a memoir and it was phenomenon. It has set the highest of standards for all other memoirs I will read. The trials of family and life he had to overcome to be where and who he is today; sends the message to never give up on you. Stephen did an awesome job as narrator. Five stars

[Craig L Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome insight into his life. A must listen for everyone.

[Steve Sherwin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I must admit I was not a Stephen A. fan prior to reading/listening to his book. There were many similar scenarios in my Life that Stephen A had talked about. More than once I noticed tears in my eyes. I can’t say that I’ve converted over to being a fan, but I love & respect Mr Stephen A. Smith for who he is & what he does.

[audwin augustus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't always like MIGHTY-MOUTH Steven A. but this book is a great must read.

[Valerie Coates · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love memoirs and this one is most definitely is included! Great work!

[Sterling · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was a glorified and extensive resume. I was disappointed with the lack of depth. The name dropping was endless and yet at no point did I feel his true relationship with anyone except his mom, sisters and estranged father.

[Carle Atkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was already a fan of Stephen A, however, this book takes it to another level. Straight Shooter was an easy listen. I have new found respect for Stephen A after learning of his determination, grit, tenacity & perseverance from his childhood to college to his life today.