• Leaked audio allegedly captures ESPN producer Ryan Bertrand criticizing Stephen A. Smith’s credibility and approach.
• Bertrand reportedly referred to Smith as playing an “angry Black man on TV” and questioned his comments on Gaza.
• Following backlash, Bertrand deleted his LinkedIn and made his social media profiles private, while ESPN and Smith remain silent.

In a surprising turn of events, leaked audio allegedly captures ESPN producer Ryan Bertrand making sharp remarks about one of the network’s marquee stars, Stephen A. Smith. The recording, revealed by Project Veritas founder James O’Keefe, claims Bertrand criticized Smith’s approach and even questioned his credibility.

Producer’s Alleged Comments Spark Controversy

According to the recording, Bertrand allegedly described Smith as playing the role of an “angry Black man on TV.” He also criticized Smith for discussing Gaza on Fox News, saying, “What does he know about Gaza when he was just talking about the Lakers three hours ago?” These statements, if true, have quickly become a hot topic on social media. Bertrand reportedly added that ESPN employees think the 57-year-old is “crazy” and merely paid “to create controversy.”

ESPN LEAKS: OMG Obtains Audio of @ESPN Producer Calling @stephenasmith an “Angry Black Man,” Says Staff “Think He’s Crazy” and “Has No Idea” About Politics

Amid Smith’s ongoing discussions about the Middle East, leaked audio reveals an ESPN producer questioning his credibility… pic.twitter.com/a0twbLJFPa

— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) March 21, 2025

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Fallout: Bertrand Deletes LinkedIn, Goes Private

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Following the backlash, Bertrand has reportedly deleted his LinkedIn account and made his Twitter (now X) profile private, according to Awful Announcing. As of now, neither ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, nor Bertrand has issued any public statements.

Stephen A. Smith’s $100M Importance to ESPN

Smith, who joined ESPN in 2003, remains one of the most polarizing figures in sports media. Despite internal criticism, his five-year, $100 million contract extension highlights ESPN’s reliance on him for ratings. The deal allows Smith to work a lighter schedule and appear on other networks discussing politics.

What Do You Think?

Does Bertrand’s alleged criticism hold weight, or does Smith’s success speak for itself? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know! Don’t forget to share this article from The Dupree Report with your network to keep the conversation going.

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