Stephen A. Smith Responds To President Trump’s NFL Warning originally appeared on The Spun.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith returned to “First Take” this Monday and immediately called out the president of the United States.
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On Sunday afternoon, President Donald Trump said the Washington’s NFL team should bring back their old name. He claims the franchise would be more valuable if they ditch the Commanders brand.
Trump didn’t stop there with his rant about the Commanders. He threatened to hold up the team’s deal for a new stadium if they don’t go back to being the Redskins.
“I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
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While on “First Take” this Monday morning, Smith fired back at Trump.
“I think that the president’s being petty. I think it’s him being evasive,” Smith said. “It’s just him catering to his base to make sure that he serves to appease them in some way, to distract them from other issues, including the Epstein files, by the way.
“By the looks of the laws, and what has transpired on the books, it seems to be little to nothing that Trump can do about this other than make noise. But again, it does assist him in appealing to his base. We understand that.”
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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the 2024 NBA Draft – Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images)Luther Schlaifer/Getty Images
Just two months ago, Trump spoke highly of Smith during an appearance on NewsNation.
“Stephen A. is a good guy, he’s a smart guy. I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance,” Trump said. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you I’d love to see him run.”
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The president may change his opinion of Smith after hearing this Monday’s comments.
Related: Stephen A. Smith Considers Politics; Trump Endorses Him for 2028
Stephen A. Smith Responds To President Trump’s NFL Warning first appeared on The Spun on Jul 21, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.