The most egregious mistake of Stephen A. Smith's career has cost him a week's worth of air time.
Ray Rice the only one that can clean up the Ray Rice mess?
Sports Illustrated reported Tuesday that ESPN has pulled the controversial television and radio personality from the airwaves for a week for his misguided remarks about women's roles in domestic violence in connection with the Ray Rice incident.
Smith indicated that women should examine their role in provoking incidents of domestic violence. His rambling comments outraged many colleagues, SI reported, including ESPN's Sports Nation host Michelle Beadle, who responded angrily on Twitter.
ESPN.com declined comment when SI asked whether Smith was being suspended without pay. If Smith did not get suspended without pay, his situation could be compared to that of Rice, who many are arguing received a lenient penalty for the deed his committed.
SI was able to obtain a copy of an ESPN in-house memo sent by its president, John Skipper, in regards to Smith:
"ESPN announced today that Stephen A. Smith will not appear on First Take or ESPN Radio for the next week. He will return to ESPN next Wednesday.
"As many of you know, there has been substantial news coverage in the past few days related to comments Stephen A. made last Friday in the wake of the NFL's decision to suspend Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for two games following charges of assaulting his then fiancée, now wife, a few months ago.
"We've said publicly and in this space that those remarks did not reflect our company's point of view, or our values. They certainly don't reflect my personal beliefs.
"We have been engaged in thoughtful discussion about appropriate next steps. Those conversations have involved a diverse group of women and men in our company. Our women's ERG has added to the conversation and going forward, I know they will help us continue constructive discussion on this and related issues.
"Stephen has called what took place 'the most egregious mistake' of his career. I believe his apology was sincere and that he and we have learned from what we've collectively experienced.
"I'm confident we will all move forward with a greater sense of enlightenment and perspective as the lasting impact of these last few days. I want to thank all those whose thoughts have contributed along the way."
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