Media

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith announces positive COVID-19 test

by Olafimihan Oshin - 12/21/21 4:32 PM ET

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press)

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

During an appearance on his show “First Take” on Tuesday, Smith announced his COVID-19 diagnosis, saying he tested positive over the weekend.

Smith also said he has tested negative numerous times during his trip to Los Angeles and upon returning to New York, where he hosts his flagship show.

“I’m feeling fine. Mild symptoms,” Smith said. “Thank God I was vaccinated. Thank God I got the Pfizer vaccine, two shots, a few months ago.”

Here’s Stephen A. Smith opening First Take by announcing he has Covid. Said he tested positive over the weekend and has mild symptoms. pic.twitter.com/Zy1AUIhOye

— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 21, 2021

Smith added that he hasn’t received his booster shot yet.

Smith’s announcement comes as the omicron variant of COVID-19 now makes up the majority of coronavirus cases in the country at 73.2 percent.

President Biden said on Tuesday that his administration is planning to buy 500 million COVID-19 testing kits for free distribution and will set up new federal testing sites across the country later this month.

After making his announcement, Smith, considered to be the face of ESPN, went on a rant about Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, who is returning to play after sitting out the beginning of the season due to his anti-vaccine stance.