ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith claims he’s ‘disgusted’ with NBA coach Steve Kerr during remarkable live TV outburst
STEPHEN A. Smith's war of words with NBA coach Steve Kerr has escalated following an extraordinary live TV rant.
The ESPN analyst, 56, hit back at the Golden State Warriors coach during Friday's edition of First Take.
Kerr had responded directly in his Thursday press conference to comments made by Smith on the ESPN sports debate show earlier that day.
Discussing Draymond Green's recent indefinite suspension, the veteran sportscaster appeared to question Green's teammate Steph Curry on his leadership.
Smith said: "I understand that [Warriors star] Steph Curry is not a vocal leader. I get that.
"But if this were LeBron James, if this were a teammate of LeBron James, if this were a teammate of LeBron James, we'd be all over LeBron James.
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"Where's the leadership? Where's he at? What kind of impact is he having?'
"I don't think we should be holding Steph Curry to lesser standards."
Kerr didn't mention Stephen A. directly by name as he responded on Thursday.
But he claimed he was sickened by anyone who questioned Steph Curry's leadership.
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He added: "Steph is as good of a leader as I've ever been around."
Given his opportunity to fire back at Kerr by host Molly Qerim on Friday, Smith grabbed the chance with both hands.
Launching into a lengthy monologue, Stephen A. said: "Steve Kerr didn't mention me by name. I'll mention Steve Kerr by name.
"I'm disgusted with him. This is the problem - Steve Kerr, no one is questioning Steph Curry as a leader.
"What we said was, quote, 'if that was LeBron James, we would have said 'where are you?''.
"So in this particular instance, we're not talking about behind the scenes. We were talking about out front and center.
"We were asking Steph Curry 'where are you on this' [Draymond issue] because he's such a great leader.
"Because [he is] such a phenomenal individual. Because you're the closest thing to perfection most of us have seen from a professional athlete.
"We're asking about the impact you've seemingly been unable to have on a teammate [Green], on a teammate who loves and reveres you.
"But Steve Kerr twisted it. I don't even want to use the words that I'm tempted to."
Stephen A. continued his rant, describing Curry as a phenomenal individual.
He closed up with a parting shot at Kerr, saying: "You didn't say my name, but I don't need clickbait. We've been No. 1 for 12 years.
"With or without YouTube, with or without social media, we've been No. 1 period."
First Take fans were quick to comment on Smith's outburst, with one writing on X: "I applause you right now on @FirstTake. Steve Kerr is always deflecting and chooses to slyly try and call you out."
While a second said: "Never seen him this infuriated."
While a third countered: "Stephen A Smith is doing EXACTLY what he is accusing Steve Kerr of. You twisting this whole situation and brought up LeBron for what? LeBron doesn’t have nothing to do with this Draymond Green situation."
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And a fourth commented: "You are the one twisting stuff [Stephen A.] You're way off base on this one."
First Take airs every weekday from 10 am to midday on ESPN and ESPN+.