“If they hear my voice in their head when they’re about to mess up — GOOD!”

Outspoken ESPN star Stephen A. Smith is known for dropping hot takes on sports, but in a recent Jennifer Hudson Show exclusive, he got real about parenting — and his surprising philosophy on raising teenagers has everyone talking.

Smith, a proud dad to two teen daughters aged 13 and 14, says he’s not thrilled at the idea of them dating — now or ever. “I don’t like it. I don’t want that happening,” he said flatly. When asked what age he’d be okay with them dating, his answer was simple: “Their 20s — preferably NEVER!”

But here’s the part that has parents and fans buzzing:

“All I can do is embed myself in their brain,” he declared. “I want them to be away at college, in a situation, and suddenly hear my voice: ‘Daddy would kill me.’ That’s all you can do. Be so repetitive and so present that they can’t escape you — even in their sleep!”

He even referenced the famous Bad Boys II scene where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence scare off a teenage boy at the door.
“That’s me!” he joked. “I got law enforcement connections — they better watch it!”

From his strict dating stance to funny hot takes on wearing Crocs (“Not my style — never happening!”) and FaceTiming in public (“Put on some AirPods! We don’t want to hear your business!”), Smith let fans see the dad behind the drama.

And when it comes to eating in bed? Well, Stephen A. has thoughts:

“It depends who’s with you. If your woman cooks for you and brings it to bed? You better sit down and eat that whole plate!”

Whether you agree with his “tough love” tactics or not, one thing’s clear: Stephen A. Smith doesn’t just run the sports world — he runs his household the same way: LOUD, proud, and full of personality.

👉 What do YOU think of Stephen A.’s strict dad energy? Too much, or just right?
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