Asecretly recorded audio clip is putting ESPN in an uncomfortable spotlight this week-and the target at the center of it is none other than Stephen A. Smith.

The leak, shared by James O’Keefe’s media group, allegedly features ESPN producer Ryan Bertrand making blunt, and at times racially charged, criticisms of Smith. The tape quickly made its way across social media, and while ESPN has yet to issue a formal response, the fallout is already underway behind the scenes.

In the audio, Bertrand reportedly says Smith“plays the angry Black man on TV” and mocks the longtime host’s recent political commentary on Fox News. “Brother, you were just talking about the Lakers three hours ago-what do you know about Gaza?” Bertrand says, questioning Smith’s credibility on global issues. He also claims ESPN staff think Smith is “crazy” and exists mainly to “create controversy.”

ESPN faces internal shakeup as Bertrand scrubs online presence following leak

Since the recording surfaced, Bertrand’s LinkedIn has vanished and his X account has gone private. It’s a move many are interpreting as damage control while the story picks up steam.

This isn’t the first time ESPN has had to deal with leaked internal commentary. Back in 2021, the network faced backlash after a private conversation involving Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor was made public, prompting widespread debate about workplace culture and diversity.

Smith has not publicly addressed the comments, but his supporters are calling for ESPN to take action. Many online are labeling Bertrand’s remarks as unprofessional, racially insensitive, and reflective of deeper issues within the company.

With Smith being one of ESPN’s highest-paid and most influential figures, this situation puts the network in a tight spot. As the silence stretches on, questions continue to mount-not just about what was said, but about how ESPN plans to handle it.