Stephen A. Smith breaks silence over criticism that his political views are interfering with $20m-a-year ESPN role

Stephen A. Smith has dismissed accusations that his political interventions are interfering with his work on ESPN.

The 'First Take' host signed a $100million deal with the network earlier this year. But Smith has also become increasingly political, even floating a possible run for president.

In addition to his work with ESPN, Smith is a prominent figure at SiriusXM - hosting a daily sports show and weekly politics show - while he also hosts his own YouTube show.

On Friday, Smith was asked whether he 'ever worries' that his ESPN fans might be 'turned off' by his political views. But the host said he believes that, in fact, his approach 'turns people on' and is 'one of the reasons' his audience has 'grown.'

'I don’t worry about it because first of all, it’s politics, it’s not sports. Secondly, I don’t bring it to ESPN. Thirdly and most importantly, I think it’s important to remember that I’m a reasonable human being,' Smith said.

'What I do when I’m talking politics is what I do when I’m doing everything: I let you know how I feel and where I stand based on the facts that I have presented to me. 

'But I’m open-minded to be corrected, which means I’m willing to engage in dialogue. And I’m willing to talk with people and hear what they have to say.'

ESPN has been at the center of a storm this week after Pat McAfee interviewed President Donald Trump on Veteran's Day. 

On Friday, meanwhile, Smith announced a live edition of his 'Straight Shooter' show in Washington DC alongside Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

But the 'First Take' host said:  'I’m not one of those dogged, rabid ideologues that’s stuck on one position and I’m not moving and I don’t give a damn how anybody else feels… that’s not how I am.

'All I’m doing is I research my information, I tell you what I learned, what I know, what I think I know. I articulate those thoughts to you from the honesty and the heartfelt position where I’m coming from, and then I let the chips fall where they may. 

'If I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong. If I’m corrected, I’ll say I’m corrected. And if I’m right, I’m not budging. It’s just that simple... and when you have that kind of attitude, it encourages people, it doesn't turn them off.'

He insists his approach can 'encourage people to engage in more dialogue, which encourages people to watch and listen and talk with you and to you - instead of at you - and I think that contributes to making the world a better place.'