Adrian Wojnarowski Has Message For Stephen A. Smith After Leaving ESPN
Adrian Wojnarowski stunned NBA fans and his ESPN peers by retiring from journalism last week.
After seven years at ESPN, the insider left to take a new job as the general manager of St. Bonaventure's men's basketball program. Stephen A. Smith was among Woj's many colleagues sad to see him go.
"Devastated! What a loss for us here at ESPN," Smith wrote on social media last Wednesday. "The absolute best in the business, my man @wojespn. I'm gonna miss you, Buddy!"
Woj responded to the First Take host's message on Monday. He recalled Smith's past A-10 experience during his earlier days reporting on Temple basketball under decorated head coach John Chaney.
"We are saving you a front row seat in the Reilly Center this season, Stephen A," Wojnarowski wrote. I know you loved your trips to St. Bonaventure when you were covering Coach Chaney!"
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: ESPN Analyst, Adrian Wojnarowski reports on the game between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Smith also celebrated Wojnarowski when First Take covered his final Woj Bomb on Wednesday. The ESPN personality called the insider the "best in the business."
"Nobody's more well-connected. Nobody's more well-respected," Smith said. "To be around him and to be able to touch on the wealth of knowledge that he's had in all his years covering the league ... He's led this place for quite a long time."
As NFL insider Adam Schefter noted, Wojnarowski can now go to the bathroom without monitoring his phone to break news. He'll instead oversee a program that went 20-13 in Mark Schmidt's 17th season as head coach.
The Bonnies typically aren't big enough to receive ESPN's attention, but maybe Smith will take Woj up on his offer to catch them in action this season.
