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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Kevin Sweeney

Fans Crush ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith for Wanting Rose Bowl to Be Moved to Different Stadium

Stephen A: Stephen A Smith Rose Bowl (Event) the Rose Bowl Kirk Herbstreit Alabama (Organization) First Take Michigan (Organization) SoFi Stadium

Stephen A. Smith gave one of his most controversial takes yet to open the new year on First Take.

Following Michigan’s Rose Bowl victory over Alabama, Smith said on First Take that he believes the Rose Bowl should be moved from its historic venue and be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. instead due to traffic considerations.

“How about having the Rose Bowl at SoFi? How about that?” Throw a few roses there… I mean listen, there are a whole bunch of things in life that are historical. That damn traffic in Pasadena, I mean, come on y’all! SoFi Stadium, let’s get with the times!”

The Rose Bowl was once again a perfect setting for a big showdown this year, with Michigan beating Alabama in OT to advance to the national title game. 

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Host Molly Qerim and Smith’s sparring partner, Shannon Sharpe, each immediately pushed back, noting the nostalgia involved in the venue. It’d be hard to imagine the event being played without the historic sight lines of the stadium, nestled inside the San Gabriel Mountains. But Smith didn’t seem to be joking about wanting a move to a more modern venue.

“I don’t want to throw no shade or nothing, I really, really appreciate the history of the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, but that damn traffic is a nightmare!” Smith said Tuesday.

Needless to say, fans weren’t exactly enthused by Stephen A’s idea.

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