STEPHEN A SMITH

Stephen A. Smith Responds To Dr. Umar Johnson Wishing 50,000 Lashes Upon Him

by

Of all of the sports commentators in the world, Stephen A. is definitely one of the most polarizing. Overall, he is someone who is highly respected amongst others in his profession. However, there are a lot of fans out there who don’t like his opinions, especially when they conflict with their own.

One opinion that really set Twitter ablaze came a few weeks ago. Of course, we are talking about his take on Jerry Jones. At the time, Jones had been exposed for attending a pro-segregation rally at his high school. Although Jones was just 14 years old at the time, many felt like this was a damning blemish on his role as Cowboys owner. Smith, however, defended Jones, noting that he was a young adolescent and that he doesn’t deserve to be judged for what happened over 60 years ago.

Stephen A. Smith attends the Los Angeles premiere of Apple’s “They Call Me Magic” at Regency Village Theatre on April 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/WireImage)

Dr. Umar Speaks Out

Perhaps the largest detractor of Smith’s on this issue was none other than Dr. Umar Johnson. Dr. Umar is a larger-than-life figure who is always quick to comment on hot topics that have to do with race and culture. During an interview with The Breakfast Club, Umar put Stephen A. on blast for his Jones comments, noting that they were unacceptable.

In one of his own livestreams, Dr. Umar said that Smith deserved 50,000 lashings for his comments. Dr. Umar has continuously used lashing imagery for those he disagrees with, and it has led to numerous viral videos.

Stephen A. Replies

Smith has a brand-new podcast called “Know Mercy,” and today, he issued a response to Dr. Umar. Instead of being animated and upset, Smith offered a measured tone. Smith felt like Dr. Umar’s comments were disgusting and ill-advised given the historical context of the brutal punishment.

“All I have to say to Dr. Umar Johnson is this,” Stephen A. began. “I don’t know any human being alive I would wish 50,000 lashes on. Respectfully, how low can you go? Never met you, don’t know you. Educated brother. I wish you nothing but the best. But you would wish that upon another human being? A brother? Really? That’s how low you would go?”

Smith is someone who has never taken these kinds of comments lightly, so it should come as no surprise that he decided to respond. For many, however, these are two worlds that they never thought would collide.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Delivers Somber Warriors Outlook

by

Stephen A. is one of the biggest names in the sports world. He is mainly known for his work on ESPN’s First Take, however, he got his start as a columnist working in newsrooms. That said, he has seen a lot of basketball during his time on this earth. Consequently, he knows when dynasties are about to fall.

One dynasty that many have kept tabs on is the Warriors dynasty. After winning a fourth championship last season, the Warriors have started off poorly. Additionally, the dynamic with Draymond Green and Jordan Poole has put strain on the roster. These are all realities that Smith is aware of.

Stephen A. Smith spotted at the Cincoro Tequila Gold launch party on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Cincoro Tequila)

Stephen A. On Steph Curry

As we reported earlier this morning, Steph Curry went down with an injury last night. He injured his shoulder and went to the locker room. Subsequently, Curry will need to get an MRI to understand the full extent of the damage. With the Warriors at a record of 14-15, this could be disastrous.

Stephen A. got to speak on this during the 10 AM taping of First Take. As you can imagine, he had a very somber take. In the clip below, Smith admits that if Curry is injured for a significant amount of time, it is over for the Warriors. It was a somber reminder that Curry is playing at an MVP level. Overall, Smith thinks irrelevance would be inevitable for the Warriors.

If you are a fan of the Warriors, this is extremely hard to hear. After all, this team was a dynasty, and now, it seems like it could fall apart. However, Curry could end up being okay, which would negate everything that is being said here.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the basketball world. Additionally, let us know what you think of the Warriors’ chances without Curry, in the comments below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Rips Dan Snyder As An “Embarrassment”

by

Stephen A. has never been shy to give his unfiltered opinion on what is going on throughout the sports world. While some of his opinions are roasted by the public, there are certainly moments in which he has something truly poignant to say. Overall, Smith was born for the sports commentary world.

Recently, another big story involving the Washington Commanders has been made public. Following a congressional investigation, it was revealed that Commanders owner Dan Snyder engaged in a toxic work culture. Additionally, he reportedly even leaked e-mails that led to the firing of Jon Gruden. Moreover, there was even information pertaining to alleged sexual harassment.

Stephen A. Smith attends Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” Premiere Event at Hollywood Athletic Club on December 07, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/WireImage)

Stephen A. Has Words For Snyder

During a segment on First Take today, Smith spoke about the situation with the Commanders. As you can imagine, Smith spoke strongly about the matter. Overall, he thinks this is horrible for the Commanders, and that ownership needs to change, immediately.

“As it pertains to Daniel Snyder, I don’t know him very well,” Smith said. “I’ve met him on several occasions, I’ve always been fond of talking with him. This is really bad and there is no question he should no longer be an owner of a National Football League team. He has to go.

“The Washington Football Team has won three playoff games in 30 years. The last time they won a playoff game was in 2005. They’ve only been to the playoffs three times since 2005. It has been an embarrassment.”

The Commanders situation is currently ongoing, so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think should happen to Snyder, in the comments below.

[Via]

Nia Long Responds To Stephen A. Smith’s Ime Udoka-Celtics Take

by

Nia Long went through an incredibly difficult personal hardship a few months ago. Of course, this is because she was cheated on by former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. Udoka cheated with a Celtics staffer, which subsequently led to the team making this a public matter.

In the aftermath of all of this, many felt like the Celtics were wrong to make any of this for public consumption. Consequently, Long felt the exact same way, given that this affected her and her son. Overall, it was just a horrible situation for her family, and there is certainly a lot of trauma associated with it.

Nia Long speaks onstage during EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP)

Nia Long Responds To Stephen A.

During a recent red carpet event for “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” Stephen A. Smith was asked about the Udoka scandal. This led to a strong response from the First Take host, who felt that it was bizarre for the Celtics to make this public.

“I know of many instances where individuals have had situations occur within the organization and it was never publicized,” Smith said. “It was never a press conference. It was never anything that was broadcast publically about it. But in this situation, it was. If I’m [Long], I’m furious for a multitude of reasons, obviously. But especially that one.”

Subsequently, Long was asked about Smith’s take on all of this. As you can imagine, she agreed heavily with what Stephen A. had to say.

“Absolutely, 100 percent, he was the first person who said it. I agree with it,” Long replied. “It’s been incredibly difficult for me to manage all of that while working and trying to be a mom and trying to find the humanity in all of it.”

This remains a developing story, so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think about Long and Stephen A.’s remarks, in the comments below.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reacts To Brittney Griner’s Release

by

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most prominent figures on sports talk television. With that being said, it only makes sense that he would have an opinion on Brittney Griner. The WNBA star had been incarcerated in Russia, however, she was released today in a massive prisoner swap.

Overall, this is great news for her and her family. They have been trying to bring her home for months, and there is no doubt that she is excited. WNBA fans feel vindicated right now, especially since they put so much effort into raising awareness of the situation.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury moves against Stefanie Dolson #31 of the Chicago Sky during Game Three of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Wintrust Arena on October 15, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Stephen A. Speaks

Today, Stephen A. got to speak about the news on First Take. As you can imagine, the talk show host was incredibly excited. He delivered some praise for the Biden administration, while also wishing Griner well. Additionally, he touched on service member Paul Whelan, who is till being detained.

“Very very happy for Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle,” Smith said. “Everybody associated with basketball knows how much Brittney Griner has meant to the game. As an American citizen, we are happy to see her home although we would be remiss to neglect the importance of Paul Whelan coming home.”

Whelan has been detained in Russia for four years, and according to President Biden, Russia will not release him. They wanted Whelan and Griner home in exchange for Viktor Bout, however, Whelan is being treated like a spy. Having said that, the Biden admin still has a lot of work to do.

With Griner coming home, let us know what you think of the situation, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Reveals Where OBJ Should Go

by

Stephen A. Smith, much like the rest of the football world, is trying to figure out where Odell Beckham Jr. may go. The wide receiver is currently a free agent, and over the last little while, he has been meeting with a wide range of teams. First, he met with the New York Giants. Additionally, he has met with the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys.

Odell’s free agency tour has been quite successful. However, it still remains to be seen where he will end up. For the most part, people seem to think the frontrunners are both the Bills and the Cowboys. Today, Stephen A. revealed where he thinks OBJ is likely headed.

TV personality Stephen A. Smith looks on during week four of the BIG3 three on three basketball league at Wells Fargo Center on July 16, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/BIG3/Getty Images)

Stephen A. Explains Where OBJ Needs To Land

As many of you already know, Smith is a huge Cowboys hater. However, he came through with a surprising statement on First Take. In the clip down below, Smith advocated for OBJ to go to the Cowboys. “[Odell Beckham Jr. is] tailor-made to be a Cowboy,” Smith said matter of factly.

The Cowboys are a team that is known for having a ton of flair. With that being said, OBJ has always been a player who showcases the exact same traits. Needless to say, Stephen A. makes a great point, although it must have hurt him to admit it.

Furthermore, while out in Dallas last night, Odell took in a Mavericks game. Fans were very excited to see him there, and it became quite clear that the fanbase wants him on their side. For now, however, it remains to be seen if he feels the same way.

Stay tuned to HNHH as we will be sure to bring you the latest updates from the Odell Beckham situation.

[Via]

Stephen A. Smith Goes Off On Dolphins Over Tua Tagovailo Injury

by

Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins went down with a concussion last night, and it was a scary one, to say the least. Tagovailoa couldn’t get up after the hit and his fingers were frozen in a fencing position, which is typically a neurological response to trauma. It was frightening to watch, and fans are looking for answers.

Just last Sunday, Tua suffered what appeared to be a head injury, although the team cleared him to play. Many believe the Dolphins failed Tua and that this latest injury could lead to a significant issue later on down the road. With CTE and long-term concussion symptoms becoming a larger topic of conversation, the Dolphins’ malpractice is seen as unacceptable.

Many analysts throughout the media have been weighing in on this situation, including none other than Stephen A. Smith. As you can see in the tweet down below, Smith claimed that people need to be held accountable here, and that it should have been up to Tua’s teammates to pull him aside and tell him he is in no shape to play.

“Somebody needs to be fired! Now I don’t know who, but somebody got to go,” Smith said matter-of-factly.

This is easily the biggest story in the NFL right now, and if a deeper investigation is done, heads could roll.

Let us know who you think is at fault, in the comments down below.

Stephen A. Smith Delivers Harsh Words To Kevin Durant

by

Stephen A. Smith has been a staunch critic of Kevin Durant over the past few years. With that being said, there is a lot to critique KD over. This is especially true when you consider how KD tried to hold the Nets hostage this past summer. Durant requested a trade from the team that never actually came to fruition. He lost his battle with team owner Joe Tsai, and Smith has had a lot of fun with his criticisms of the situation.

Durant got to speak on Monday during the Nets’ media day. KD was asked plenty of questions about his commitment to the Nets, especially in light of his previous trade request. Durant was quite defensive when answering the question, and he even claimed that his play on the court speaks for itself and that his commitment cannot be questioned.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Stephen A. certainly doesn’t see it that way, and he let his feelings be known during yesterday’s episode of First Take. As you can see in the clip down below, Smith accused KD of wanting to run from the grind, while also saying that this is KD’s team and it is his responsibility to make it work.

“Essentially you were ready to cut and run. That’s your team. … When your that dude and you don’t like the way things are, you’ve got some influence to change it!” Smith said.

Let us know what you think of Smith’s take, in the comments section down below.

Stephen A Smith Announces Return To First Take Following Shoulder Surgery

by
Stephen A. Smith Says COVID-19 Vaccine Saved His Life

Stephen A. Smith has been missing in action from one of ESPN’s primetime shows, “First Take”. The illustrious and famed journalist and media personality has not appeared on the show for over a month due to a recent shoulder surgery. He announced the surgery and resulting hiatus on Twitter last month.

Fans and viewers are beginning to get anxious about the return of the coveted host. According to his response to one fan, Smith will be back in action two weeks from the 1st of the month, on Monday, August 15.

Since his hiatus, a number of analyst and personalities have stepped in to fill Stephen A’s seat for the time being. While no one can replace the potent precess of Smith, the analyst have done their best to hold down the fort alongside host, Molly Qerim.

Smith also took to Twitter yesterday to honor the life and legacy of the late, great humanitarian and champion, Bill Russell.

“First Take” airs every weekday on ESPN between 10 AM and 12 PM est.

The post Stephen A Smith Announces Return To First Take Following Shoulder Surgery appeared first on The Source.

Stephen A. Smith Says Michael Jordan Changed Basketball For The Worse

by
Stephen A. Smith Says COVID-19 Vaccine Saved His Life

Stephen A. Smith is known for his outlandish attitude, outspoken persona, and sometimes cringe-worthy hot takes. To some, these attributes either make him one of the most beloved and valuable sports journalists in the game or one of the most hated. However, his recent take on Michael Jordan might take the cake.

In yesterday’s episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith debated Steph Curry’s contributions to the game of basketball. Smith argued that Curry helped elevate the game while Michael Jordan is responsible for changing the game for the worse.

“Michael Jordan is responsible, as much as anybody, for changing the game for the worse,” Smith said. He went on to say that Jordan’s ability and superstardom caused the game to become more individualized. “He was so phenomenal that the NBA started marketing towards the individual, people started gravitating towards the individual, and the game became more individualized because everybody wanted to be like Mike,” Smith said.

Smith went on to say how during the Magic and Bird era of the 1980s, the NBA marketed entire teams and people gravitated to teams rather than just players. However, when Jordan came into the league, the game became more individualized, giving way to players such as Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant.

Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith’s take?

You can watch the full clip below.

The post Stephen A. Smith Says Michael Jordan Changed Basketball For The Worse appeared first on The Source.