Stephen A. Smith gave one of his most controversial takes yet to open the new year on First Take.
Following Michigan’s Rose Bowl victory over Alabama, Smith said on First Take that he believes the Rose Bowl should be moved from its historic venue and be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. instead due to traffic considerations.
“How about having the Rose Bowl at SoFi? How about that?” Throw a few roses there… I mean listen, there are a whole bunch of things in life that are historical. That damn traffic in Pasadena, I mean, come on y’all! SoFi Stadium, let’s get with the times!”
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Host Molly Qerim and Smith’s sparring partner, Shannon Sharpe, each immediately pushed back, noting the nostalgia involved in the venue. It’d be hard to imagine the event being played without the historic sight lines of the stadium, nestled inside the San Gabriel Mountains. But Smith didn’t seem to be joking about wanting a move to a more modern venue.
“I don’t want to throw no shade or nothing, I really, really appreciate the history of the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, but that damn traffic is a nightmare!” Smith said Tuesday.
Needless to say, fans weren’t exactly enthused by Stephen A’s idea.
Espn should never be able to talk abt football again… Stephen A Smith said they should move the Rose Bowl to SOFI STADIUM… HUHHHH??? the Rose Bowl is the greatest venue in sports dawg
— Cole Baggett (@ColeBaggett5) January 3, 2024
I will be boycotting first take after hearing that @stephenasmith wants the rose bowl game to be moved from Pasadena to that god forsaken dome called sofi stadium. Absolutely disgusting take and I think he should not be allowed to mutter a word about college football #firsttake
— Jake Ksiazek (@JakeKsiazek) January 3, 2024
Listening to @stephenasmith's worst take ever, saying the Rose Bowl should move to SoFi. Embarrassing.
— Fred J. Robledo 👨🏻💻 (@SGVNSports) January 3, 2024
@stephenasmith says move the Rose Bowl to SoFi?!?!!!
— New York Sports (@NY_Sports_Fam) January 3, 2024
Has there ever been a worse take?????
@stephenasmith @MadDogUnleashed @FirstTake not only should the #RoseBowl continue to be held at the iconic stadium, it should be the championship game from now on as well. Much more scenic and iconic than nrg stadium. @stephenasmith u live in nyc, u can handle a little traffic.
— Michael Cohn (@mgcohn02) January 3, 2024
.@stephenasmith is BARKING saying that he wants the Rose Bowl moved to SoFi Stadium?! Are you crazy?! Huh?! Kirk Herbstreit even said that the College Football Playoff should host the National Championship over there, and I agree with Kirk on that.
— 𝕵𝖆𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕭𝖚𝖗𝖌𝖊𝖗 (𝕵𝕭) (@electric_jase) January 3, 2024
