Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Social media had all sorts of priceless reactions to a report detailing how much Stephen A. Smith will pay in taxes on his new $100 million deal.
On Thursday, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Stephen A. Smith signed a five-year extension with ESPN that’s worth “at least” $100 million. Smith’s current contract is set to expire in July, with Marchand reporting that Smith was making $12 million annually before getting the lucrative raise.
Of course, Smith isn’t going to take all of that money home. Like every other hard-working and honest citizen, Smith has to pay his fair share of taxes.
Andrew Petcash of Profluence Sports did a breakdown of Smith’s $20 million salary and how much he’ll actually take home. If you want to take taxes and fees out of the equation, Smith is only taking home a little more than 50 percent of the $100 million.
As Petcash notes, the 57-year-old Stephen A. Smith will pay $7.4 million annually in federal taxes, plus $1.1 million in New Jersey state tax, a $600,000 agent fee, and $568,000 in FICA and Medicare.
Social media had plenty to say about the hefty taxes Mr. Smith will pay:
“Damn he needs to live in Texas or Florida,’ wrote one fan.
“He will move to Miami. Then it will be 11.4,” said another.
“Personally I think that is way to much in taxes,” a user said.
“How’s he going to feed his family on only $10.3 million?” asked a commenter.
“Sheesh,” added a fan.
“How will he survive,” joked another.
Having banked tens of millions of dollars during his tenure at the Worldwide Leader in Sports, we’re sure Smith will be just fine.
Stephen A. Smith Will Work A Reduced Schedule On New Deal
Stephen A. Smith (Photo via Tori Lynn Schneider / USA TODAY NETWORK)
According to Marchand’s report, Smith will appear less on ESPN programming as part of his contract. He’ll continue to host “First Take” but will appear less on the network’s NBA pregame show.