He may motivate some to change the channel.
Stephen A. Smith made the “First Take” debate on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce somewhat uncomfortable with the tone of his voice Monday.
The panel — Smith, Molly Qerim, Shannon Sharpe and Dan Orlovsky — were debating if Swift deserves credit for Kelce’s improved performances when she is an attendance.
After Qerim suggested that “Taylor is motivating him,” Smith emphatically agreed.
“I am quite sure she is. Let’s get that out of the way,” Smith said in a suggestive tone.
“The voice is unnecessary,” Qerim responded.
“Do I need a towel again?” asked Orlovsky.
“We don’t need a towel. I am just saying she’s motivational, there’s no doubt,” Smith said. “She has found a way to get to the games.”
What’s this about a towel, you may be wondering.
Last Thursday, Smith went on a lengthy tangent about “vibrating” phones in a discussion with Qerim after her phone rang.
A blushing Orlovsky threw a towel over his head, while Qerim told Smith “This isn’t the ‘Stephen A. Smith show’ on YouTube. It’s Disney.”
“I want everyone to know that I distance myself from these comments,” she said. “I have nothing to do with anything that just happened.”
Smith often touches on much more salacious topics on his self-titled show that often veer far outside the sports world.
However, his ESPN teammates have yet to take the bait on the morning program.
The Kelce-Swift debate has gained steam since CBS used a graphic Sunday showing a comparison between the tight end’s stats with and without the singer in attendance.
With Swift cheering for him during a 31-17 win over the Chargers on Sunday, Kelce had 12 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Orlovsky argued that his impact on the game was due to his Hall of Fame talent, while Sharpe accused of him being a “hater.”
Orlovsky defended himself by saying his wife had taken his daughter to the “Eras Tour” movie.
“I want to be with someone who motivates me too,” Qerim then said.
“Is that what you said?” Smith said, reverting to his evocative tone.
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