2 days Ago By Steve Brenner
STEPHEN A. Smith and JJ Redick were giving each other the silent treatment following a bust-up on First Take, a source has told The U.S.
Sun. Two insiders on the show , who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claim the now LA Lakers coach and Stephen A. clashed behind the scenes and didn't speak "for weeks.
" ESPN big-hitter Stephen A's wage demands, as revealed by The U.S. Sun, has seen tensions on the show reach an uncomfortable "all-time high.
" But one of the sources says the treatment on-screen of highly-rated NBA tactician Redick fanned the flames of discontent even more. With motormouth Stephen A. and on-screen pal Shannon Sharpe known for their outlandish sporting views, Redick has earned his stripes by calling them both out on occasion.
The basketball veteran, who has now left a spot at ESPN's top NBA booth alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke, doesn't "stand for their BS" according to one of the sources. That, however, sparked some serious problems between Stephen A. and Redick.
When the 42-year-old was named the top man at the Lakers recently, any issues on the show were instantly extinguished. But the problems, which have been intensifying since the start of the year, have been causing difficulties among other staff members. Some are angry about the way Redick was "unfairly" targeted for not dancing to Stephen A.
's tune and consistently dropping controversial bombs. "People on the team told Smith that it is unfair to bash JJ for not being like him," a journalist w.
