The show has been plagued by awful ratings since its ridiculously high-profile launch more than a year ago — the reasons for the low ratings vary, ranging from the general unlikability of its host to the fact that no one can stand the guy whose name is in the show — and Stephen A., a few months ago, seemed to acknowledge the show was close to shuffling off this mortal coil.

"I don't know [whether the show will make it to a second anniversary]. I don't know if I'm going to want to [continue]. ... For me it never has been about just being on TV. I'm about success."

We have no confirmation on this, and it could be bunk, but that's what we're hearing, anyway. A sad day. Totally. Seriously. Really.

The Post Where Stephen A. Calls Us A Liar, And We Return The Favor [Deadspin]
Our Field Trip To Quite Frankly [Deadspin]

(UPDATE: Synergy Sports has an email from a staffer saying the show is kaput. Here's what the staffer wrote:

"Hi, i work on the show and it just got shit canned today. No on knew until 5pm, we shot the last show before we knew it was the last show then they rounded everyone up and told them at the same time. I knew it was over shortly before it was announced when someone told me they were instructed to "change the locks" on certain equipment closets.")

(SECOND UPDATE: We now have official confirmation: The show's over, gang.)

(THIRD UPDATE: ESPN has sent out a press release about Smith's show ending, and it's after the jump. The show's not being canceled: Smith is "expanding his presence." Of course!)

> From: "ESPNPR"
> Date: January 12, 2007 2:11:42 PM EST
> Subject: NEW ROLE FOR ESPN'S STEPHEN A. SMITH
>
> For Immediate Release
> January 12, 2007
>
>
> NEW ROLE FOR ESPN'S STEPHEN A. SMITH
>
> Expanded Appearances on SportsCenter, NBA, ESPNEWS Plus Four Interview Specials; ESPN The Magazine & ESPN.com Opportunities; Last Quite Frankly Show Today
>
> Stephen A. Smith, ESPN's outspoken and insightful commentator, will expand his presence across numerous ESPN entities as part of a new role, it was announced by Norby Williamson, ESPN Executive Vice President, Remote and Studio Production. Smith will be featured more regularly and extensively on SportsCenter, NBA studio programming and on ESPNEWS, as well as host four TV interview specials surrounding big events. In addition, opportunities for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com columns will be explored. In turn, today will be the last episode of Quite Frankly, the weeknight interview program that Smith has hosted since its August 2005 debut.
> "Stephen A. connects with fans because he brings great energy, knowledge and strong opinions," Williamson said. "While Quite Frankly delivered strong interviews and discussion, this new role will provide a better showcase for Stephen A.'s impactful voice to be heard across numerous forms of ESPN media."
> In addition to the four interview specials, Smith will appear as a leading NBA voice for news, issues and analysis across all of ESPN's studio programming, including SportsCenter, NBA studio shows and ESPNEWS.
> Stephen A. Smith joined ESPN in 2003 as studio analyst on NBA Shootaround and NBA Fastbreak and as a reporter for other studio programming. Quite Frankly debuted in August 2005 as a 6:30 p.m. ET weeknight series, and was moved to the late-night time period (11 p.m. or following live events) in January 2006. Smith has been a sports writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer since 1994.
> Prior to ESPN, he covered news and sports at the New York Daily News (1993-94) and worked at the Greensboro News and Record (1992-93) and the Winston-Salem Journal (1991-92). Since 1999, he has also been active in television and radio, primarily in Philadelphia, but also on Fox Sports Net, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports Radio and CNN/SI, in addition to appearances on ESPN Radio.

"The production company did a thorough review and it was brought to my attention that I was mislead. The word 'boo' was used. I trusted the individual and apologize for giving bad information. At the end of the day, the situation has been dealt with."

We didn't receive the email, by the way; we probably would have ended up just doctoring it anyway. We actually feel pretty bad for Chan, who, if he really tried to "cover up" his "mistake," shouldn't consider a CIA job in his future. We are curious how he is being "dealt with." We wonder if his punishment involves actually watching the show.

Finally ... A Confession [View From The Bleachers]
Goatriders Vs. ESPN [Goatriders Of The Apocalypse]
The Post Where Stephen A. Calls Us A Liar And We Return The Favor [Deadspin]

Smith accused deadspin.com, a frequent critic of his, of altering the memo, but deadspin merely linked to the goatriders.org site.

That's right: We altered a memo that we never received and could care less about, and then encouraged several Cubs blogs to go along with us. Why? Because EVERYTHING HE SAYS IS IMPORTANT! The folks at Goatriders, where this all started, detail the whole experience there. We would like to say that Smith's inability to stand up to the fact that one of his staffers might have made a simple mistake, choosing instead to blatantly lie to cover himself, would be the most embarassing part of the interview. But it actually gets worse.

Smith, explaining to Greenstein why his program's ratings are so bad, claims the fault is not HIS OWN STYLE!, but in fact THE SUITS AT ESPN! He blames the timeslot change from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., saying ESPN doesn't promote the show enough. "I'm not happy," Smith said. "I love working for ESPN, and ESPN has been very good to me. But I'd be lying if I said I'm happy with what has transpired with the show."

But that's not the best part. The best part is when Smith explains that when ESPN asked him if he would be interested in moving his show to 11, he said yes, not realizing that live games running late might delay the start of his show. This news flash — that sports don't have definitive end times — has taken Smith aback.

As for the show's inevitable cancellation, Smith almost sounds resigned to it: "I don't know [whether the show will make it to a second anniversary]. I don't know if I'm going to want to [continue]. ... For me it never has been about just being on TV. I'm about success."

You know what? We think he's lying.

Quite Frankly, Baker Bails Out [Chicago Tribune]
Goatriders Vs. ESPN, Final Round [Goatriders Of The Apocalypse]
Come On Down And Boo Our Guests [Deadspin]

(UPDATE: Here's another email exchange, this one from View From The Bleachers, verifying that Smith and his staff are full of it.)

Next Monday, Stephen A. will host embattled Cubs manager Dusty Baker. We have made fun of Baker many times and don't think he's a particularly talented strategist. But he has agreed to go on Smith's show and answer his questions. How is the show responding? By encouraging its audience to boo him. From outstanding Cubs blog Goat Riders Of The Apocalypse:

I was recently EMailed by an Assistant Associate Audience Producer for Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith. Apparently, our own Dusty Baker will be on the show on Monday, July 24th at 11:15am, and they want some loud, raucus Cub fans to be there to boo or cheer Dusty as they see fit. No, actually, they just want us to boo him. The AAAP said, and I quote, "You guys can definitely feel free to BOO Dusty if you so please."

We suppose that's one way to increase the dreadful ratings: Turn into Springer!

Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith [Goat Riders Of The Apocalypse]
Audience Panhandling At Quite Frankly [Deadspin]

(UPDATE: Apparently Bleed Cubbie Blue got the email too)

A quick Google search reveals several instances of Dunphy doing what he can to bring people to the show, hopping on various teams' boards and spreading the good word.

We, of course, have had our own experiences with "Quite Frankly" crew members. We encourage Mr. Dunphy to contact us for a comment invite; we have done our best to extol the gospel of Stephen A., and expect he will embrace the "great opportunity for some of your forum members to get together and meet up for an exciting sports show."

So, "forum members," whaddya think?

Brian Dunphy Stephen A. Smith [Google Search]
Our Field Trip To Quite Frankly [Deadspin]

It's the latest attempt to tinker with the fledgling program — with a four-year contract for Smith, the show's not exactly getting cancelled — and, as much as we might like to make fun of it, it does seem to make a bit of sense. The show has always been a confusing fit so early in the day.

Now, perhaps, they can jazz up the studio audience a bit, give it more of a funky late-night feel, maybe add a band or something. Also a good idea: A new host. But hey, one step at a time.

Quite Frankly Moves [TV Barn]
Our Field Trip To Quite Frankly [Deadspin]

Well, OK, now you know. Smith spoke to The New York Post:

"You never know, especially when you are in an environment like that, how people will act; especially when people are drinking beer and doing all that stuff, preparing themselves for game time. So I went up to the press box because I had to use the bathroom and I was starving. So I went up to the bathroom and the officers were like, 'We were instructed to go wherever y'all go.' Since a bunch of us went to the press box, they came up to the press box."

So, in other words, no specific threat. Just a need to keep Stephen A. away from the fan riff-raff. Got it. Understood.

Andrew Marchand Column [NY Post] (second item)
Keeping Stephen A. Safe [Deadspin]

To be honest, we are cautious of making fun of Stephen A. too much for the bodyguards; even though not that many people are watching his show, Smith is in the public eye, and sometimes that can bring out some crazies. Without knowing the details, who can tell? Maybe Smith did need some bodyguards. Or maybe they were just they were just trolling for potential audience members. Whatever works.

Quite Frankly Two Bodyguards? [BenMaller.com]

"Hi, this message is for Will. Hi, Will, this is Jackie calling from ESPN2's 'Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith.' Will, I'm calling you because the last time you attended our show, you indicated on your audience survey that the Chicago Bulls were your favorite basketball team. Well, we'd love to let you know that this Thursday, December 1, we're actually having Scottie Pippen on the show. It's a 6:30 taping with a suggested 5 p.m. arrival time. If you are interested and would like to book tickets, my number is (redacted). I look forward to hearing from you! Hope you're well!"

Say what you will about the show and its miniscule audience ... but they do try to stay in touch with their fans. Every last one of them.

Our Field Trip To "Quite Frankly" [Deadspin]

Our Field Trip To "Quite Frankly" [Deadspin]
Deadspin Field Trip: Rodman's Book Signing [Deadspin]

Stephen A. Smith Archive [Philly.com]
Unpardonable Interruptions [Slate]

This begs the question, of course: If "Quite Frankly" is bringing in 0.2 rating at 6:30 — and that's the MAIN show, the one with guests and segments and conversation and so on — what kind of rating is "Afterthoughts" going to bring in at 12:30 in the morning? Can you have negative ratings numbers? Does the mere notion of the show make your television cry?

We're trying to come up with a real world equivalent to doing a spinoff of an obviously failing show, and we struggled with it. Maybe if "After M*A*S*H*" spun off into "After After M*A*S*H?" Or maybe, like, the Chargers drafting Ryan Leaf again? This might be its own thing, actually.

EARLIER: Our Field Trip To Quite Frankly [Deadspin]

Last week, we emailed our ticket requests to see "Quite Frankly" to audienceservices@espn.com (get yours today!), and we received a response within the hour, giving us a choice of, well, any day this week. We chose Monday, and our RSVP came back to us immediately, letting us know not to bring digital cameras, cellphones, picket signs, all that. It told us to be there at 2:30 p.m. for a 4 p.m. taping. We hopped on the subway and headed to 33rd Street in Manhattan.

We initially took a wrong turn and ended up here, Peep World, right across the street from "Quite Frankly" studios. Fortunately, we had about 15 minutes and a couple of quarters to kill.

We arrived at the studio at 2:30, as requested, and quickly realized our mistake: There was no one there. We stood in line for about 15 minutes, talking to no one except a very kind elderly black woman who offered us a cough drop, even though we weren't coughing. During the show, she will end up coughing uncontrollably, but, sadly, she had run out of her drops.

Around 3 p.m., an audience coordinator arrived and, upon seeing the four people in line, actually whistled. But she was saved quickly; through the side door came about 40 black high-school aged students, from the Eagle Academy on the Bronx, all dressed up in ties and herded around by a serious-looking man with a shaved head and a piercing smile. "We're on a class trip," he said, nervously, wishing he had a lasso or something. "These young men are going to be very well-behaved, aren't they?" The boys all nodded in unison, with military precision. We wish this guy would have taught us when we were kids.

We were all led by the audience coordinator into a waiting room that showed ESPN highlights and bloopers and were given free popcorn. A pimply kid with the worst internship ever told us that if we wanted to ask Stephen A. a question, we should write it down on an index card. The best questions, the ones selected, would be read by their author on air. "Make sure the questions are about football," he said, voice cracking. "Tonight's show is about football." And suddenly, our little assignment had a thickening plot.

That was our question. We thought it was the one most likely to get us on the show, considering the Colts-Rams game was on ABC that night, corporate synergy, all that. We watched another ESPN video and then, at about 10 until 4, the intern came back out. "OK, those whose names we say need to come up front now for our special question seats," he said. "You'll get a chance to be on air with Stephen A." fingerscrossed fingerscrossed fingerscrossed ... "Will Leitch?" Success!

We took our seats as we strategized internally. Should we try to make a joke? Maybe just starting making fun of him? Naw, wouldn't work: The shows are taped, and they'd just cut it. But we had to let him know we were there, maybe stick a bug in his ear about the site. Or maybe the battle was just being there. What would maximize our screen time?

Fortunately, we had a lot of time to think. The actual taping of Smith's hour-long show — the "Q&A" was the last segment — takes, on the whole, two hours. This is mainly because of the reshoots. Smith, who was a not-terrible NBA reporter before turning into the ESPN monster he is today, is anything but loose on camera. He stutters, he stammers, he talks too loud, he talks too soft ... he's no natural. The "3 & Out" segment that starts the show — in which Smith screams angrily into the camera about the news of the day — took three reshoots while we were there, and they weren't just of the "flub" variety; he took different approaches each time, like he was still feeling out the process. It was, at times, uncomfortable to watch.

Not nearly as uncomfortable, however, as Smith off-camera. Whereas some "live" hosts banter with the audience at their tapings — Jon Stewart is the master of this — Smith is ill at ease, wary, suspicious, like the audience is a wild dog loose in the room. He also has a bad tendency to betray the real reason he's in sports "journalism;" he bragged several times about "hanging with A.I." at a Reebok party that evening and snickered to guest James Hasty that ESPN.com columnist Michael Smith — who appeared on the show via remote — was a "TNT type of guy," whatever that means. When an audience member asked him how she could make it in journalism, his answer was depressingly direct: "Network. You have to know the right people to get to where you need to go. That's the truth."

After an endless amount of reshoots and long, long-winded segments, it was time for "Q and A." Jamal, a kid from the school, went first, and cutely trickled out a nervous question about Tedy Bruschi, before Smith responded with intensity that scared not only Jamal, but all of us. Then it was our turn.

We decided to play it straight: We were on the show, after all, and there was no reason to push our luck. (We really just wanted the screenshot, honestly.) "Yeah, Stephen, I'm Will from Deadspin, I wanted —"

"From where?" Stephen spat.

"Oh, Deadspin. Deadspin.com. It's a Web site."

"Oh, OK. Ya'll should have come up with a better name than that."

We nodded, now completely terrified, and asked our question, wondering if Stephen A. had time to go home and check out the site after the Iverson party.

And then we were sent home, with a souvenir: A "Quite Frankly" fridge magnet.

We will display it proudly, quite frankly.

"Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith" [ESPN]
Quite Frankly, There's No One Watching Your Show [Deadspin]