ESPN suspended "First Take" host Stephen A. Smith for the controversial remarks he made about women in regard to domestic violence. Smith, whose comments came last week during a discussion about the Ray Rice suspension, issued an apology Monday.
Smith made a series of remarks Friday that indicated women could sometimes "provoke" domestic violence. The remarks sparked outrage on social media, and on Tuesday ESPN announced Smith would be suspended from television and radio for one week.
ESPN president John Skipper released the following statement:
"As many of you know, there has been substantial news coverage in the past few days related to comments Stephen A. Smith 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. ...
"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."
Smith issued an apology Monday.
Smith will return to ESPN on Aug. 6.
Listen to Smith's original remarks that set off the firestorm HERE.
