Steven A. Smith is known for speaking his mind, but while discussing the Ray Rice domestic violence incident he evidently went to far.  As a result, ESPN suspended him.

Steven A. Smith - photo by Astrid Stewiarz via Getty Images
Steven A. Smith - photo by Astrid Stewiarz via Getty Images
loading...

Stephen A. Smith is known for speaking his mind, however his recent comments concerning the NFL's Ray Rice domestic violence incident didn't sit well.

First things first, according to a summons, Ray Rice knocked his now wife, smooth out after violently hitting her in the head in an elevator.  For now, nobody knows exactly what lead to the assault, but everybody seen what happened afterward.

An that’s what really sealed his fate with the NFL, if you wanna call a 2 game suspension any kind of punishment.   Non-the-less, the video surveillance was damaging and caught Rice dragging his unconscious mate from the elevator.  A security officer can be seen walking up to the Ravens running back and we're told he asked Rice what happened, to which the NFL player responded, “she’s drunk.”

Listen to Tha Wire below to find out what happened next and learn why police upped charges of simple assault to aggravated assault.  Plus, find out what a sentence like that would carry if Rice is found guilty.  In the meantime, Ray and Janay Rice held a press conference and spoke on the whole situation.

Back on Steven A., last Friday the sports analyst gave his opinion on Ray Rice, domestic violence as a whole and his thoughts on the NFL’s suspension.  Honestly, after listening to everything he said, I really don’t think he said anything wrong or offensive.  That's just my opinion, but ESPN doesn't feel that way and yesterday announced the commentator will not be appearing on ESPN2's First Take or ESPN Radio for the next week.

Upon being informed of his 1 week suspension, Steven A.say down with his First Take  co-host Cari Champion and apologized for his comments.  Here's a look at what he had to say:

Tuesday, July 29th  ESPN president John Skipper released the following statement to his employees:

"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 [employee resource group] 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."

For even more on today's news listen to Tha Wire now, plus find out what celebs are celebrating birthdays today!  Press play now.

More From 107 JAMZ