In the world of sports, there are few debates more polarizing than the future of a franchise’s star player. This week, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith turned the spotlight on the Cincinnati Bengals, their ownership, and the ongoing frustration of superstar quarterback Joe Burrow. During a fiery segment on First Take, Smith didn’t hold back, expressing his belief that the Bengals’ ownership and management are making a monumental mistake by failing to properly support Burrow.

Stephen A. Goes OFF on Bengals Ownership

Stephen A. Smith is known for his bold and sometimes controversial opinions, and when it comes to Joe Burrow’s situation in Cincinnati, he didn’t mince words. “Joe Burrow wants the hell up outta there!” Smith exclaimed, calling out the Bengals for their apparent inability to build a championship-worthy roster around their star quarterback.

Smith argued that Burrow, a player with undeniable talent and potential, has been stuck in a dysfunctional organization that has failed to provide the necessary support to maximize his ability. “You’ve got a generational quarterback on your hands,” Stephen A. continued, “and what do you give him? A patchwork offensive line, inconsistent weapons, and an owner who seems more focused on profit than putting together a team that can contend for Super Bowls.”

Joe Burrow’s Frustration with the Bengals

Joe Burrow, who led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second year, is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. However, despite his individual brilliance, the Bengals have consistently failed to build a team around him that can compete at the highest level. This has sparked growing frustration, both within the fanbase and, perhaps most notably, from Burrow himself.

Stephen A. Smith highlighted that Burrow’s patience is running thin. “You can see it in his body language. You can hear it in his comments. Burrow has the talent to lead a team to greatness, but right now, he’s got a franchise that’s holding him back,” Smith stated. “He knows he’s wasting prime years in a place where they can’t get it together.”

There have been rumors swirling that Burrow might want to leave Cincinnati for greener pastures if the Bengals don’t make significant changes — and Stephen A. believes it’s a matter of when, not if. “At some point, Joe Burrow is going to demand a trade. He’s not going to sit around while the Bengals continue to underperform.”

The Bengals’ Ownership Dilemma

At the heart of this issue is the Bengals’ ownership, led by Mike Brown. The Bengals are widely regarded as one of the more poorly managed franchises in the NFL, often criticized for their lack of willingness to spend money on improving the team. They’ve historically been a team that relies heavily on draft picks and doesn’t always attract high-profile free agents.

Stephen A. didn’t shy away from this criticism. “Mike Brown’s ownership has been a problem for decades. They don’t prioritize winning; they prioritize being cheap. Joe Burrow deserves better than this,” Smith said. He pointed to the fact that other teams, even those with less success historically, have shown an ability to surround their quarterbacks with high-level talent. “When you see teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or the Buffalo Bills going all-in for their quarterbacks, you have to wonder why the Bengals refuse to do the same for Burrow,” Smith said.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow’s future is now a topic of intense speculation. While the Bengals are reportedly doing their best to address their issues — including making changes to the offensive line — Stephen A. believes it may be too little, too late. “If they don’t turn things around soon, Burrow is going to want out. He doesn’t have time to waste. He knows he’s good enough to lead a team to the Super Bowl. The question is: Will it be the Bengals, or will they get left behind?”

It’s clear that the pressure is mounting on both Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. The team’s ownership must make major changes if they hope to keep Burrow happy and on the field in Cincinnati long-term. If they continue to fail him, Smith warns, we could soon see Burrow playing elsewhere — and with him, the franchise’s chance at finally becoming a true contender.

In Conclusion: Will Burrow Stay or Go?

At the end of the day, the ball is in the Bengals’ court. With a generational talent like Joe Burrow, it’s hard to imagine a better opportunity to build a championship team. But if they continue to waste that opportunity, it’s only a matter of time before Burrow looks for a team that will give him the support he needs to reach his full potential.

Stephen A. Smith’s criticism rings loud and clear: “Joe Burrow deserves better than this. If the Bengals want to keep him, they need to wake up and start building a contender — or they’ll lose him, and possibly their chance at a Super Bowl.” The pressure is on, and Burrow’s patience is running out. The clock is ticking for the Bengals’ ownership to make a move — before Burrow’s time in Cincinnati runs out for good.