MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Days after claiming that NBA players avoid playing for the Memphis Grizzlies due to crime concerns in the city, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said in a social media post that he will visit Memphis at the request of Mayor Paul Young. 

RELATED: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says NBA players avoid playing for Grizzlies due to Memphis crime

Tuesday on ESPN, Smith said, in part, “The people in Memphis. It’s a great sports town. Great fans. Great people. But there’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They’ve told me.” 

People around Memphis reacted to Smith’s claims, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young. Young released a statement on social media saying, in part, “Stephen called us a great sports town—facts. Best fans in the game? People of Memphis? Unmatched. But what he is missing is that crime is down significantly in 2024 and 2025. We’re not just talking change, we’re delivering it. Memphis is rising, and we’ve got the numbers and the heart to prove it. If Jimmy (Butler) or anyone else is unsure, come see for yourself. And Stephen, we’ll welcome you here anytime. Just don’t bet against us. Memphis doesn’t stay down.” 

Smith accepted that invitation in an X post he made Thursday. 

Good afternoon Mr. @MayorPaulYoung. Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside — I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So with… https://t.co/fGb0pf3wZZ

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 19, 2025

“Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them. Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside — I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less. So with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let’s make it happen. I’m looking forward to it,” Smith wrote. 

No date or time had been set up for Smith’s visit as of Thursday afternoon. 

Smith also replied to Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant. Following Smith’s original comments about players feeling like Memphis isn’t “the safest environment.” Morant said, “talkin bout the grizz more than the finals wit these (cap) ahh sources.” Morant went on to question why Smith was talking about the Grizzlies as opposed to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, both teams playing for an NBA Championship. 

Smith responded, “So this is what we’re doing now, @JaMorant? I recall talking about the Finals. But the @memgrizz made news because of Bane getting traded. AND, your possible extension coming up. Would you prefer I go into detail about WTH has been going on in Memphis? Why players have stated they’re not interested in going? Or would you like me to leave well enough alone, and let the great peeps of Memphis address it on their own? Your call! I’m all ears!”

In the days following the X exchange, Mayor Young and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy both thanked Morant for speaking up in defense of Memphis. 

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