*Stephen Jackson may not be “the most intelligent person,” but the athlete is clear on his reasons for not being a fan of ESPN sports analyst Stephen A. Smith.
According to folk at Basketball Network, it was Smith’s (perceived) support of former President Donald Trump that put him in Jackson’s crosshairs. The NBA standout cites the convenience of Smith using the small screen to air out his views on issues and people, views he feels would not be blasted if the sports personality were out in public chatting with the public.
(Editor’s note: Stephen A. Smith has publicly denied being a Trump supporter)
“My main problem with a lot of people, especially with Stephen A. when he says stuff like this, if you was on the corner with ten brothers in your neighborhood, you wouldn’t have said that,” Jackson explained during an appearance on “All The Smoke Unplugged.” “You wouldn’t have had the balls to say black people relate to (Donald) Trump, you wouldn’t have said that in front of your people, in a room full of your people.”
“You said that on TV because you comfortable there, and that’s the narrative that they want you to paint because somebody probably told you to say that,” he continued.” I’m not the most intelligent person, but I told y’all, I’m first-team common sense. That’s why you say these things on TV. That’s why people look at you funny and don’t give you respect…That was the weakest thing.”
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Smith’s perceived support of Trump isn’t the only thing that’s got him on Jackson’s bad side.
The famed commentator has generated controversy again with his efforts to have Russell Westbrook suspended after the Los Angeles Clippers standout was ejected for getting into it with Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington in Game 3 of the Clippers’ first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.
Smith put his preference for a harsher penalty for Westbrook on display, revealing he called the NBA to ask why Westbrook wasn’t suspended for his actions.
Needless to say, this did not sit well at all with Jackson.
“You don’t work for the league. What makes you think you got the power to call and get somebody suspended?,” Jackson told “All The Smoke Unplugged.” “You opening more doors to thinking the times you went on TV and spoke bad about me and other players, you called and put your vote in to get people suspended, is that what you saying? That’s crazy that you would openly say that.”
As the interview continued, Jackson continued calling Smith out for thinking he could impact the league’s handling of Westbrook’s situation. In his eyes, the outspoken pro sports analyst is nothing more than a “snitch.”
“”I come from under the old law. There’s people that I grew up with that came out of jail that I know they snitching and I’m not f***ing with. He a snitch, you snitching….,” he said. “Nah, f*** that. You called the league to try to get that man suspended. That was the league decision. You don’t do some s*** like that… I’m not f***ing with him no more.”
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