Retired NBA player Stephen Jackson is speaking out about how Stephen A. Smith addresses prominent Black figures versus those who are non-Black.
According to an Instagram post from Complex Sports, Jackson published a video online comparing Smith’s past loud stances with LeBron James and, most recently, Rep. Jasmine Crockett to his latest encounters with Alexis Ohanian, who is the husband of Serena Williams. He noted how Smith was more composed when confronted by Ohanian, who happens to be white.
What did Stephen Jackson say about Stephen A. Smith?
Jackson criticized Smith for the dialed-back “energy” he displayed during Ohanian’s guest appearance on his show First Take.
“Come on, Stephen A., bro. You get loud and all in your feelings about ‘Bron when talking to a Black billionaire. But when you talking to a white billionaire, you humble. And you come back on your show talking real respectful, mild-mannered,” Jackson said in the recording. “And you doggin’ the Black women. Stay out of politics and stick to talking about sports you never played, alright? Just stick to doing that bro.”
“We not gonna vote for you. I heard you talking about running. Don’t do that, bro. We’re not gonna vote for you,” he continued. “You do not have the same energy for other people, but you got a lot of energy for ‘Bron and Black women and not everybody else.”
Many sports fans in the comments section of Complex Sport’s post agreed with Jackson.
“Not a lie was told. I agree,” one person commented
“Facts. Well said,” another person wrote.
“FINALLY! When is everyone going to be sick of the Stephen A show. Desperate for attention. Name an athlete that truly respects him? I will wait,” a third person agreed.
Stephen A. Smith seemingly backtracked his criticism of Serena Williams during his virtual meeting with Alexis Ohanian
Ohanian’s visit on Smith’s First Take show was to promote ATHLOS NYC, a premier track and field meet featuring 36 elite female athletes competing for prize money.
Before their virtual meeting, Smith commented on Williams’ brief appearance at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance in February, saying he wouldn’t want his wife doing something like that to get back at their ex (referring to Drake).
“If I’m married, and my wife is going to troll her ex, go back to his ***. Because clearly you don’t belong with me,” Smith said. “What you worried about him for and you’re with me?”
Ohanian called out Smith for commenting on his wife, pointing out how he’s never been married and suggesting that it’s best for people to speak out only as it pertains to their respective areas of expertise.
Smith then backtracked on his statement about Williams, stating he respects Ohanian, which, as many pointed out, is a stark contrast to how he typically responds, especially when the subject is Black.