- Smith supports Andrews’ tough questions, citing her professional obligation
- Andrews faced backlash for inquiring about Miller’s potential past impact on his draft evaluation
- Smith highlights the importance of addressing current real-world issues in sports reporting
ESPN’s Malika Andrews made waves during the NBA Draft when she posed a tough question to draft prospect Brandon Miller about his past. Stephen A. Smith stepped in to defend her, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism and addressing off-court matters in sports reporting.
In a recent episode of ‘Podcast P with Paul George”, Smith defended Andrews after she faced severe backlash for her line of reporting:
“She getting crucified leading into the Draft because she’s asking Brandon Miller a question or bringing up somebody’s past. She had an obligation to ask those questions.”
“She did her job. If she doesn’t do her job, she’s off the air. They like what we need you for?” (1:02:27)
Andrews’ question was direct: she inquired about Miller’s connection to a recent criminal case, a line of questioning that diverged from the typical script of on-court abilities and statistics. She bought up Miller’s name in connection to a crime where his teammate and another person were charged with capital murder.
Miller’s name came up in the case where he allegedly was involved in a fatal shooting. However, after a thorough investigation, authorities cleared Miller’s name. After Miller was drafted, Andrews bought this up during the live telecast, and she faced immense backlash.
Smith’s words bring into focus the essence of responsible sports journalism. Andrews’ question did more than raise eyebrows – it challenged the narrative that athletes exist in a vacuum separate from the world’s complexities. Smith’s argument underscores that journalists have a duty to provide a comprehensive perspective, even if it means navigating uncomfortable terrain.
Stephen A. Smith Had A Battle With Malika Andrews
Despite Smith defending her this time out, the two-star journalists once had a heated debate. In an episode of ESPN’s coverage, Stephen A. Smith and Malika Andrews engaged in a heated argument regarding the Ime Udoka scandal.
Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, found himself at the center of a scandal that rocked the NBA community. After leading the Celtics to their first NBA Finals in over a decade, Udoka faced suspension for the entire 2022-23 season due to an alleged improper relationship with a female staff member.
Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken and often provocative commentary, publicly criticized the Celtics for what he perceived as selective punishment. He argued that white coaches involved in similar situations had not faced comparable consequences, sparking a debate around the league.
Enter Malika Andrews, a rising star in sports analysis and reporting, who decided to challenge Smith’s perspective during a live discussion. What ensued was a passionate exchange between Smith and Andrews. Andrews firmly urged Smith to refrain from shifting blame towards other parties and redirect the focus of the conversation.
She emphasized that the discussion should not contribute to further blaming women or sidetracking from the core issue. Smith, clearly irritated, defended his position and stressed his intention to hold Udoka accountable without implicating others.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by sports journalists in navigating complex issues while maintaining journalistic integrity.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
