Stephen A. Smith Says He Wants To Date ‘Domesticated' Women Who Will Cook

Stephen A. Smith knows what he is looking for in a romantic partner, and he told former NFL star Cam Newton that it includes finding a woman who is "domesticated."

The outspoken ESPN personality appeared on Newton's YouTube channel earlier this month, where he first said that sex appeal is the most important trait he looks for in a partner. Smith, 58, then added "conversation and intellect" before moving on to "domesticated."

When Newton, 37, laughed, Smith doubled down.

"Somebody needs to say that. We need to stop that s***," he said. "This assault against masculinity, it's going to end with this."

He continued, "I can cook for myself. I don't want to. I want you to cook. I'll pay for the food. I'll take you out every week…The only thing I'm doing for myself is getting up for some cereal."

Smith seemed to know that his comments wouldn't go over well with some, but he was undeterred, seeming to imply that if a woman is not going to cook for him, she doesn't have a reason to be around.

"If I have to do that, why do I need you? I understand it comes across as chauvinistic," he said. "I'll take you out. I'll buy the food. I'll take care of whatever you need me to take care of."

Newton appeared to try and interject during Smith's rant, but true to form, Smith kept going.

"But damn it, if I walk through my crib and you there? I better not smell Pine-Sol," he said. "That's a problem. If I'm smelling Pine-Sol, why are you there? Why?"

He added, "My sister has her own family. If my sister knows I'm coming, the minute I walk through the door, I'm smelling food. She knows that. She's my sister. You're the woman in my life, and I'm smelling Pine-Sol? That ain't gonna last. I assure you that. Go get the brother that don't mind. I hope he can offer you what I'm offering."

Newton then asked if Smith's ideal partner also works, and he said she does.

"Oh yes. Why? Because I don't want you home all day long thinking about what I'm doing. I need you preoccupied. With life. If you're in my life, you're good. But I'm going to get a hot meal. I said a hot one."

Smith reiterated that he is willing to provide for a partner, buying the food she cooks with or taking them out, but the "vast majority" of the time, he wants a home cooked meal.

"I'll always give more than I get," he said. "But I'm gonna get. Or else. And I ain't apologizing for that to a damn soul."

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 3:03 PM.