Stephen A. Smith tells Travis Kelce ‘you did this’ after NFL criticism and brands Taylor Swift a ‘marketing genius’
STEPHEN A. Smith has had his say on Travis Kelce's criticism of the NFL's persistent coverage of his rumored love interest Taylor Swift.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been the center of attention in recent weeks as rumors continue to heat up surrounding him and pop sensation Taylor.
Travis recently called the NFL out for going overboard on their heavy coverage of him and Taylor during televised football games.
But as far as Smith is concerned, he only has himself to blame.
"Travis Kelce stop. Bro, you did this. Not the NFL," the 55-year-old said on Thursday's episode of First Take on ESPN.
Smith made the point that it's only natural that the league would want to profit off of this free publicity.
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He added that it will likely also benefit Taylor - who he called a marketing genius - as well as Travis and his brother Jason's podcast, New Heights.
"Billionaires go after more money," Smith said. "It ain't about what you need."
He also pointed out that it was Travis himself who chose to open up publically on his desire to meet Taylor back in July when he admitted on his podcast to making her a friendship bracelet with his number on it.
"It's all in fun. Maybe it's a bit excessive. People trying to capitalize off of it intention-wise, monetizing. I get it," Smith commented.
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"But, the instigator in all of this was you, my brother."
Taylor made her first appearance at a Chiefs game in Week 3, cheering on Travis while sitting alongside his mom, Donna, in an executive suite at Arrowhead Stadium.
The following week, she was in attendance at MetLife Stadium alongside pals including Sophie Turner, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman as Kansas City beat the New York Jets.
Sitting in the same suite was quarterback Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany Mahomes.
Looking to make the most of the situation, the NFL repeatedly cut back to shots of Taylor in the stands at both games and even made references to her in their Instagram bio.
But many feel the coverage has become too much, including Travis and Jason.
"I think it's fun when they show who all is at the game," Travis admitted during the most recent episode of their New Heights podcast.
"I think it brings a little bit more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you're watching.
"But at the same time, I think...they're overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation. I think they're just trying to have fun with it."
Jason was somewhat more blunt in his assessment of the situation, commenting: "I just think the NFL is not used to celebrities coming to the games.
"Like basketball has it figured out. They're all courtside, they're sitting there, they show them once or twice but they get back to the game.
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"NFL's like 'Oh look at all these A-list celebrities at the game, keep showing them! Show them! Show them! Show them!'
"Dude, listen, you show them once, let them know they're there, maybe after a touchdown you get a little clip, but you can't be overboard with it."
