Stephen A. Smith’s SiriusXM Takeover Leaves Michelle Beadle Blindsided and “Embarrassed”

In a shake-up at SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, Michelle Beadle found herself sidelined, learning through The Hollywood Reporter that Stephen A. Smith’s new show will replace her 12-3 p.m. ET slot starting September 2. Beadle, co-host of Beadle and Decker with Cody Decker, called the situation “a little embarrassing,” noting the lack of direct communication from the network. “We were promised no details would be released,” she said on air, her frustration palpable after two decades in the industry.

Smith, a powerhouse from ESPN’s First Take, announced his multi-year SiriusXM deal on The Howard Stern Show, hyping two new programs: one diving into sports, the other tackling pop culture and current events. “I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog,” Smith said, referring to Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, a regular on his ESPN show. Beadle, who once hosted ESPN’s NBA Countdown before leaving in 2019, didn’t mention Smith directly but made her disappointment clear.

This move highlights the cutthroat nature of media, where even seasoned pros like Beadle, now hosting FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, can be left in the dark. The lack of transparency raises questions about respect in the industry, especially for those who’ve paid their dues.