Michelle Beadle expressed it was “a little embarrassing” to discover her SiriusXM show is being replaced by a new program from Stephen A. Smith, which will debut this September.
On Wednesday’s episode of “Beadle and Decker,” a show she hosts with Cody Decker—which broadcasts every weekday from 12-3 p.m. ET on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel—Beadle revealed they learned just hours before the public announcement that Smith’s program would take over their time slot.
“Well, the secret’s out, and I suppose we’re discussing it,” Beadle remarked, mentioning that she and Decker were “coming in hot” and proceeding with the show due to contractual commitments.
“We weren’t supposed to, just as a heads up. We were only given a few hours notice, but we weren’t told any details, we were promised that no details would be released. We didn’t even know who was taking our place in the lineup, just that it was going to be announced that a new show was being added.
“Unbeknownst to us, The Hollywood Reporter, of course, had all the details,” Beadle continued. “So it was a little embarrassing, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been in this business for 20-plus years, I’ve been treated poorly a couple times, this didn’t feel good, I’m not gonna lie.”
Beadle — who formerly hosted ESPN’s ” NBA Countdown” before leaving the network in 2019 — did not mention Smith.
She is also the host of “Run It Back,” an NBA-focused talk show on FanDuel TV with former players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams.
Smith announced his multi-year agreement with SiriusXM during an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show” on Wednesday, and The Hollywood Reporter followed with additional details.
Smith will offer his takes on the biggest sports headlines in his Mad Dog Sports Radio show, launching Sept. 2.
His second show, described as a “weekly current events, pop culture and social commentary-focused show,” will debut in September at an exact date that has not yet been announced.
Smith also hosts his own YouTube show — separate from ESPN — where he discusses pop culture and politics, among other things.
Mad Dog Sports Radio channel is run by Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who appears regularly on ESPN’s “First Take” with Smith.
Smith’s deal with SiriusXM comes after he signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN in March, according to The Athletic.
“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said of his deal with SiriusXM. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of Pop Culture, Politics and Social Commentary…let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that.
“September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!”
