STEPHEN A. Smith has been called out after taking over the hosting duties on ESPN’s First Take.

The 57-year-old has temporarily taken over as host on the ESPN show after Molly Qerim unexpectedly quit on Tuesday.

Stephen A. Smith has been slammed for his criticism of Dak Prescott

Smith has taken over as the temporary host of ESPN’s First Take after Molly Qerim quitCredit: Getty
Guest analyst Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, 65, has criticised Smith for his treatment of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, 32.

Russo compared the temporary host’s bias against Prescott to his opinion of 28-year-old Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.

“To be fair, you don’t treat Lamar the same way you treat Dak,” said Russo on First Take.

This triggered Smith to compare the pair’s record in play-off games.

A heated back-and-forth followed, with fellow analysts siding with Russo on the matter.

Smth was quick to defend himself, suggesting that Prescott has been unable to perform under play-off pressure.

“I can say that he’s a damn good quarterback,” Smith responded. “My god, if the regular season was where it stopped, he’s MVP caliber.”

“I can say that about Prescott. But, unfortunately for him, the post-season is when it really counts.”

Prescott was picked by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

He was signed to a four-year deal with the Dallas franchise eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Tony Romo, 45.
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“Last time I checked, it could be three or four [games] that you have to win to win a Super Bowl,” Smith continued.

“This brother has got two in nine years. Come on y’all.”

Prescott was named as the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 2016 as the Cowboys reached the play-offs.

As mentioned by Smith, they were beaten by the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional play-off.

This is as far as the Cowboys has progressed under Prescott as his only wins have come in wild card games.

Smith remains a controversial figure as he has been suggested as one of the leading candidates to replace Qerim on First Take.

ESPN have been on a significant recruitment drive since Qerim quit after a decade as host.

A host of former players and coaches, including Jeff Saturday, have agreed extended contracts with the network.

Smith has appeared as a regular feature on First Take since 2012 and could step in as a full-time host.

Qerim had been expected to host the show until her contract expires, but her absence suggests that ESPN have already begun searching for their next star.