Sports Spectrum

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Shares Touching Tribute To His Mother Who Passed Away

By Jason Romano Jun 1, 2017
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith in Washington, DC at the Celtics/Wizards Game 6 matchup on May 12, 2017. - (Photo Courtesy: Keith Allison/CC License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode)

ESPN First Take Analyst Stephen A. Smith shared a beautiful tribute to his late mother, Janet Smith this morning through First Take’s twitter page. Janet died Thursday after a battle with cancer.

“My mom would always joke with me about how I never got my mouth from her. What she never knew, what she couldn’t possibly know, is that I never cared too much about not measuring up to her because I always knew perfection lied with her. She is the best mom I have ever known. The best woman I’ve ever known. The best person I’ve ever known. The best friend I ever had. Her will, her core decency, her words of encouragement, her unwavering belief and undying devotion to me, to our family not only weather unimaginable storms that uplifted us in the worst of times. I also reminded my family that, indeed, God is forever looking out for us. Her presence alone was enough to explain the blessings He bestowed upon our family, just by choosing her to be our mom! In my lifetime I have never encountered anyone more worthy of love, kindness and God’s heavenly grace than mommy. In my mind, I never will. She loved God. She loved us too. He took care of her. So she took care of us. If we were hungry, it was because she was starving. When she suffered, it was because we were spared! No words can explain how wonderful she was, what she means to me, to us all. And there is no way to measure the pain of losing her now. Perhaps the only solace at this moment comes from knowing where she is: home. At peace! Finally! No ending can be more beautiful than that, especially for someone so worthy of God’s grace as her. Forgive me, however, for wishing it didn’t hurt so badly. So desperately wishing she was still here!”

Will Cain filled in for Stephen A today on First Take and along with Max Kellerman, and Molly Qerim, the crew sent their love to their friend and co-worker.