Quick Thoughts – STRAIGHT SHOOTER: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes


No sports fan, especially those brought up on ESPN, would not have heard of Steven A. Smith. I personally am not a big fan of his loud, confrontational style but can’t ignore how impactful he is as a personality and thought I’d like to learn more about his life. Here are my takes:

  1. The book makes me appreciate his approach and dedication and place in the sports media landscape.
  2. Being so prolific in his takes, he’s going to make blunders and mistakes. These can get magnified and present a more opinionated viewpoints of Smith than it is in reality
  3. I find it interesting how little was said about his life partner. Does this show his priorities in life (Daughters, Work)
  4. Maturity to come to term with his father. Refusal to be bitter and to find things to learn
  5. Growing up, he wasn’t rich but had mentors and supporters at each stage, from mum, siblings, friends and coaches
  6. Value of hard work, experience to build reputation and taking the right chance at right time
  7. Being ambitious with purpose, built through honesty and integrity
  8. He learned to be more judivious with thoughts and more matured in his perspectives (see issues with Rice and Ohtani)
  9. Transformations he went through with his daughters in his life is relatable. It really focuses one’s attention
  10. Importance of team and brand building

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273821-straight-shooter?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16