Oliver Darcy emails: The breaking point for Smith was the tension between him and the opinion side of Fox. In late September, you’ll remember, Tucker Carlson mocked Smith for standing up for his friend and colleague Judge Andrew Napolitano after the judge was called a “fool” by one of Carlson’s guests. The network’s lack of a vocal defense for Smith following the incident bothered him and the whole episode factored into his decision to leave, a person familiar with the matter told me.

BUT: Contrary to rampant speculation, Smith was never given an “ultimatum” to stop criticizing Carlson. Instead, I’m told that Smith was reminded about the Fox’s old adage regarding “not shooting inside the tent.” Bottom line: “It is clear where the 2nd floor’s allegiance lies,” the person said, meaning that Fox execs care more about appeasing Carlson than Smith.

–> FWIW, Fox strongly denies that he was given a reminder. “At no time did anyone — including anyone in management or a third party — speak to Shepard Smith regarding that matter,” a spokesperson said. “Anything to the contrary is entirely false and wildly inaccurate.”