Stephen A. Smith has tested positive for COVID-19, the ESPN personality announced Tuesday on “First Take.”
Smith, 54, appeared virtually on the show and said his positive test result was the reason he missed Monday’s episode.
The longtime broadcaster said he is experiencing mild symptoms and had a fever over the weekend.
Smith noted that he has gotten two Pfizer vaccine shots, but has not yet received a booster.
He also clarified that his Thursday and Friday absences on “First Take” were because he had an endoscopy Thursday morning, though he said he had a fever Thursday evening.
The outspoken host said he discovered he was COVID-positive on Saturday, after filming “First Take” in Los Angeles.
Smith, whose voice sounded slightly raspy, said he is off the rest of the week for the Christmas holiday, and will be back in studio in the New Year.
Ahead of his Tuesday appearance on the show, Smith teased on Twitter that he had “something to tell y’all.”
After revealing his diagnosis, Smith transitioned seamlessly into a rant about the Nets bringing Kyrie Irving back, calling it a “horrible” and “disgraceful” move.