Sports Fans ‘Done’ With ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith originally appeared on The Spun.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was once considered a fan favorite in the NBA world. However, fans have grown tired of his antics.
Advertisement
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Smith received plenty of backlash for his feud with LeBron James. It went from a one-time altercation to him taking shots about the four-time NBA champion’s character. He even suggested that James missed the legendary Kobe Bryant’s memorial service.
Just a few days ago, Smith took aim at Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. His comments were in response to Haliburton calling out media critics.
“In case he was talking about me, my brother, I’m not going away,” Smith said. “I’m gonna be here for a while. So next year, and the year after that… I’m going to be here, and players far more accomplished and far more superior have made their efforts trying to call me out. How has that worked out?”
Apparently, Smith’s latest rival is none other than Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
Advertisement
On Tuesday’s episode of “First Take,” Smith suggested that NBA players don’t feel safe in Memphis.
“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 like it’s the safest environment,” Smith said. “I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You’ve 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. That’s all I’m saying.”
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 23: ESPN Stephen A. Smith before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)Justin Ford/Getty Images
Morant wasted no time firing back at Smith.
“Talkin bout the grizz more than the finals wit these [cap emoji] ahh sources,” Morant wrote on X. “Instead of focusing on the performances we seen from jdub/shai , tj/siakam, how this series is going. we say sumn negative about a city/team on a national level.”
Advertisement
Unsurprisingly, Smith clapped back at Morant on Tuesday night.
“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 even MORE details? 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,” Smith replied.
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: Steven A Smith looks on during the 2024 NBA Draft – Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images)Kostas Lymperopoulos/Getty Images
After reading that response, NBA fans came to the conclusion that Smith simply loves being at the center of drama.
Advertisement
“This man lives for any type of drama/beef that he can find,” an NBA fan commented.
“You are just out of pocket,” a second fan said. “You’re making it personal.”
“This dude thinks he’s part of the mob or something,” a social media user wrote. “Threatening people cause they say something about him. He’s a loser and a failure of a man. No matter how much money you have made, you are a loser and a failure.”
“You’re the worst bro and I used to love you so much you was my hero as a commentator but the way you attack young black players bothers me so much bro I wish you would stop,” another fan tweeted.
Advertisement
“He didn’t even say your name man lol,” a fan asked. “What’s goin on with you?”
There’s no chance Smith will be disciplined by ESPN for his social media posts. We’re talking about a personality who recently signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension.
If anything, Smith will feel empowered to keep butting heads with NBA players.
Related: Stephen A. Smith Accuses Major U.S. City Of Being Unsafe
Sports Fans ‘Done’ With ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith first appeared on The Spun on Jun 18, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.