Stephen A. Smith is drawing a line between himself and other analysts. On his podcast, the ESPN star blasted commentators who never played the game, saying too many of them act like they “know it all” when that’s simply impossible.
“Unfortunately, on too many occasions, cats that didn’t play want to act like they knew it all on their own, when it’s impossible,” said Smith. “I will never disrespect an athlete by acting like I know what people who actually did it know. I don’t know more. I know what I know. I can come at you from a scribe, from a pundit, from a commentator’s perspective. But I never disrespect, I always make sure you know, I don’t know what you know.”
Smith didn’t name any names (like Kendrick Perkins or Patrick Beverley), but believes there’s a layer of authenticity that separates him and others in the media field. Not only is he confident in his analysis and reporting, but he’s also proud of his work and the quality control involved with every take.
“When I walk in on a set or when I walk into an arena. I’m proud and my chest is sticking out and I know I know what the hell I’m talking about,” Smith added. “Because not only did I do my homework, I talked to the people who know.”
NBA media coverage has been bombarded with criticism from fans and players who feel the coverage has gotten negative. A common complaint is that guys like Stephen A. often resort to theatrics to make their points rather than honest basketball discussion. So when Stephen A. said this on his show, the irony wasn’t lost on fans, and many of them stormed social media in response.
“Bro does exactly what he says he wouldn’t do on his show every day,” wrote one fan. “He literally acts like he knows more football than the former players on his show.”
Smith’s claim of not being disrespectful is also questionable, given his recent confrontation with LeBron James.
“LeBron nearly bodied you at courtside, and you said with full confidence that you ‘Never disrespect an athlete?” asked a fan on X.
It’s bold of Smith to talk like that about non-player analysts, considering he is one. His professional playing experience is nonexistent, and while he believes his qualifications speak for themselves, many clearly don’t agree.
“Ummm, which NBA team did Stephen A. Smith play for? That’s right, none. Yes, he played college,” posted a fan. “But quite rich of him to come out with this crap when he never played NBA.”
The craziest part about this is that Stephen A. is one of ESPN’s highest-paid employees after signing a five-year, $100 million contract. That doesn’t account for his deal with SiriusXM, which totals to roughly $40 million per year.
“This man gets paid $40 million, and he never played,” wrote one fan. “Ironic coming from him. So many players fail as coaches and GMs. Being a good player doesn’t mean you know the game, and that’s proven. Difference between playing and coaching/drafting.”
Stephen A. may be ESPN’s most popular face, but he’s also its most controversial. For all his talk about accountability and mutual respect, many current and former players despise Stephen A., including LeBron James.
Love him or hate him, Smith does have a point about today’s NBA media culture. So many people speak with certainty on topics they know nothing about, and it can create a discourse that sours the experience for everyone.
