Stephen Smith Creates Heated Feud With Former ESPN Star After His Controversial ICE Shooting Comments [VIDEO]

Stephen Smith created a big public issue with former ESPN analyst Keith Olbermann after comments tied to a deadly ICE shooting in Minnesota. Smith’s remarks got a lot of criticism and led Olbermann to call for him to be fired from ESPN, and the disagreement was then hyped up across social media and video platforms.

Smith, a current ESPN commentator, posted a video on Wednesday discussing the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Smith said the agent’s actions were justified from a legal standpoint, though he spoke strictly about the law, not the emotions around the case.

On Friday, Smith shared another video in which he acknowledged the human cost of Good’s death and said the tragedy affected him personally. He also recognized the anger and pain people across the country are feeling.

Olbermann responded fast and harshly. The former ESPN personality called on the network to fire Smith. He posted on social media, “BTW speaking for a lot of people who actually built the place-it’s time for ESPN to fire Stephen A. Smith. He is now damaging the brand in a way his on-air cartoon character could never approach.”

Olbermann also claimed that former ESPN colleagues shared that view.

Smith responded angrily, and then the issue started. The shooting itself remains a deeply divisive issue, with protests nationwide and differing takes from federal officials and local leaders about what happened that day.

Smith Fires Back At Olbermann

“I want to say this about Keith Olbermann. I’m sick of your pathetic ass. I really, really am,” Smith said in his video. He questioned Olbermann’s motives and tone. He also mocked Olbermann’s public persona and career path.

Stephen A. Smith’s voice nearly cracks with RAGE as he goes off on Keith Olbermann.

Olbermann urged ESPN to “fire” Smith’s ass, and Smith has finally had enough.

“I want to say this about Keith Olbermann. I’m sick of your pathetic ass. I really, really am. You’re a 66-year-old… pic.twitter.com/FG5xsRNUT3

— Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) January 10, 2026

Smith then shifted gears. He praised Olbermann’s talent despite the attack. “Keith Olbermann is one of the greatest talents we have ever had in sports television,” Smith said.

He called him an elite writer and commentator. He then added a sharp jab.

Smith said, “An unbelievably, exceptionally gifted writer and commentator who is nothing short of exceptional at what he does. So why does he have to resort to being seen on YouTube and barely anywhere else? Because nobody wants him. Because he’s a raw pain in the ass. That’s why.”

Many people on both sides jumped into the discussion, and their back-and-forth made the already heated debate over the Minnesota ICE shooting even louder online.

Despite all the attention and criticism, Smith’s job does not seem in danger. ESPN signed him to a five-year, $100 million contract last year, and most industry watchers think...