The sports media landscape shifted dramatically this week when Stephen A. Smith announced his return to SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, effectively replacing Michelle Beadle and Cody Decker’s long-running show.
Smith revealed the news during Wednesday’s Howard Stern Show, announcing that his new weekday program will occupy the coveted 1-3 p.m. ET timeslot starting September 2, directly displacing the “Beadle and Decker Show” that has held the 12-3 p.m. slot for the past two years.
The ESPN First Take host secured a multi-year agreement with SiriusXM that includes not only the daily sports show on Mad Dog Sports Radio but also a weekly program focusing on current events, pop culture, and social commentary.
Smith’s return marks his second stint on Channel 82, having previously hosted shows on the platform from 2013 to 2017 between his ESPN Radio commitments.
“All I ask is to be treated with respect.”
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) June 4, 2025
“Embarrassing.”
“This didn’t feel good.”
SiriusXM’s Michelle Beadle and Cody Decker react to the news that Stephen A. Smith is taking over their timeslot. pic.twitter.com/U601dyBpsN
SiriusXM orchestrated this transition without providing adequate notice to the displaced hosts.
Beadle and Decker received only a few hours’ warning about the programming change, and network executives promised them that no details would be released publicly.
However, The Hollywood Reporter published comprehensive coverage of Smith’s deal, complete with specifics that the outgoing hosts had not been told.
This lack of communication left Beadle feeling “totally blindsided” and “really embarrassed” by the unprofessional handling of her dismissal.
The timing of Smith’s announcement creates an awkward lame-duck period for Beadle and Decker, who remain contractually obligated to continue their show through August.
Industry observers note the unusual nature of this transition, particularly given that most fired on-air personalities are typically silenced by contractual restrictions, unlike Beadle’s ability to publicly address the situation immediately.
Michelle Beadle Spoke Out Bluntly About Her Dismissal From SiriusXM And Her Replacement by Stephen A. Smith
Michelle Beadle delivered a scathing response to both her replacement and the manner in which SiriusXM handled her dismissal.
Speaking candidly with Front Office Sports, she expressed her frustration with a blunt assessment:
“It’s a reminder: We’re just all pieces of shit to someone. If you forgot, there it is.”
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Beadle directed particularly harsh criticism toward Stephen A. Smith, revealing a decade-long animosity stemming from his controversial 2014 comments about domestic violence in the Ray Rice case.
She stated unequivocally,
“I don’t respect him. I don’t respect his work. He doesn’t like me. This goes back to the Ray Rice stuff. He made some really piggish comments on the air. I responded; he got suspended for like two weeks.”
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She further criticized Smith’s work quality, arguing that his tendency to spread himself across multiple platforms compromises his accuracy on factual matters.
Despite her anger over the situation, Beadle found the immediate aftermath somewhat therapeutic.
She appreciated being able to share her perspective with loyal listeners while the story remained fresh, noting that her father called it her “best show yet.”
This contrasts sharply with typical industry practice, where departed hosts often disappear from public view due to contractual obligations.
Moving forward, Beadle expects to negotiate a buyout agreement with SiriusXM before her current contract expires in August.
She committed to continuing her professional obligations, stating,
“We’ll show up. We’ll have a hockey game to react to—and a basketball game to preview.”
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However, she acknowledged that listener reactions during the remaining shows would likely be unpredictable, given the circumstances.
The veteran broadcaster, who previously left ESPN in 2019 after taking a buyout, currently maintains her role as host of FanDuel TV’s NBA-focused program “Run It Back.”
This position provides her with continued visibility in sports media while she determines her next career move following this unexpected departure from SiriusXM.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Michelle Beadle was a co-host of SportsNation with Colin Cowherd and served as the initial co-host of Get Up with Mike Greenberg before leaving ESPN in 2019.
- She hosted ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” program during her time at the network before her departure.
- Beadle has been working in the sports media business for over 20 years, giving her extensive experience across multiple networks and shows.
