Michael Smith To Host SC6 By Himself In Wake Of Jemele Hill Suspension

ESPN's Michael Smith sat out last night's taping of "SC6" in wake of the suspension handed down to his co-host, Jemele Hill, but he'll be back on the air tonight. According to Variety, Smith won't have a co-host though.

During the two weeks that Hill is suspended, Smith will reportedly anchor ESPN's 6pm Sportscenter show by himself. Smith and Hill have co-hosted SC6 together since the show debuted back in February. Variety does note that Michael Smith will be joined by various guests in studio and via satellite providing reporting and analysis for several segments, but none will be serving as a co-host.

Hill, who has been silent since ESPN announced the suspension, took to twitter today to offer a heartfelt thank you to her co-host.

ESPN apparently decided to suspend Jemele Hill for her criticism of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who had said that he'd bench player who "disrespected" the flag. Hill had called out Jerry Jones for comments he made about Cowboys players who "disrespect the flag."

She took to twitter prior to yesterday's suspension to clarify her comments, tweeting, "Just so we're clear: I'm not advocating a NFL boycott. But an unfair burden has been put on players in Dallas & Miami w/ anthem directives." She added, "If fans really are that upset about what JJ & Stephen Ross have done, don't call the players sellouts, but you're watching every Sunday."

Today, Donald Trump took his opportunity to bash Jemele Hill amid the suspension, blaming her for ESPN's poor ratings. Trump tweeted,

"With Jemele Hill at the mike, it is no wonder ESPN ratings have 'tanked,' in fact, tanked so badly it is the talk of the industry!" 

Hill received an outpouring of support following the announcement of her suspension, and even more so after Trump attacked her today.