Stephen A. Smith Suspended by ESPN After Domestic Violence Comments

ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith has been suspended in the wake of on-air comments made Friday about domestic violence, where he advised women, "Let's make sure we don't do anything to provoke wrong action."

Smith apologized on-air and on Twitter for the comments that were made during an on-air discussion about NFL running back Ray Rice's suspension for assaulting his fiancee. But ESPN said Tuesday that Smith would not appear on the ESPN2 show, "First Take," or on ESPN radio until Aug. 6, The Associated Press reported. 

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My series of tweets a short time ago is not an adequate way to capture my thoughts so I am using a single (cont) http://t.co/vkOIFbCGeB

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014

ESPN chief executive John Skipper said in a memo to the sports network's staff members that Smith's comments don't reflect the company's viewpoint or values.

ESPN said it was not disciplining another network host, Michelle Beadle, who pointedly criticized Smith on Twitter with a series of posts.

So I was just forced to watch this morning's First Take. A) I'll never feel clean again B) I'm now aware that I can provoke my own beating.

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014

I'm thinking about wearing a miniskirt this weekend...I'd hate to think what I'd be asking for by doing so @stephenasmith. #dontprovoke

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014

Violence isn't the victim's issue. It's the abuser's. To insinuate otherwise is irresponsible and disgusting. Walk. Away.

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014

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Related Stories:

• NFL VP: Ray Rice's 2-Game Ravens Suspension Was Appropriate
  
• Stephen A. Smith Apology Follows ESPN Host's Domestic Violence Comments
  
• Keith Olbermann: Ray Rice's Short Suspension a Sexist Mistake by NFL