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Sports show host Stephen A. Smith is often chastised for his wild on-air takes, and he’s setting the bar HIGH in 2024. Just three days into the New Year, he made a statement about changing the location of the historic Rose Bowl.
Many are already calling the suggestion a “Worst Take of the Year” candidate.
While appearing on a Wednesday episode of First Take, Smith insisted that the game should be moved out of Pasadena and into a pro stadium. More specifically, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, home of the LA Rams and Chargers.
Traffic to the Rose Bowl was so bad, Stephen A either wants the game moved to SoFi or for him to be allowed to arrive at the game via helicopter.
The First Take crew wasn’t feeling either option. pic.twitter.com/TWOnVLlqfw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 3, 2024
Smith notes traffic as his top reasoning behind the opinion, though everyone else on the panel disagreed.
Now, SoFi Stadium is no stranger to hosting big-time sporting events. In its short stint of existence, it’s already been home to a Super Bowl and College Football Playoff championship, while being the future site for the 2028 Opening and Closing Olympic Games Ceremonies.
But college football fans aren’t eager to see yet another move away from tradition in what’s becoming a constantly changing sports landscape.
They quickly blasted Smith’s opinion on social media.
“Stephen A. Smith is an out of touch millionaire who has more in common with sports owners than he does with actual fans. This is the worst sports take of the year, and we’re only 3 days in.”
“SoFi doesn’t allow tailgating. The Rose Bowl is the best tailgating in the country.”
“Stephen A is, as usual, wrong.”
The Rose Bowl is the most historic site in college football. In fact, many want quite the opposite for the venue.
Earlier this week, Kirk Herbstreit suggested that it should be featured yearly on the most visible of stages, becoming the permanent host of the college football championship game.
A number of media and sports viewers agreed.
Stephen A. Smith is taking a massive L on this take, but it’s one that certainly has people talking. Let’s see if he’s able to top it as the year goes on.