'MODEL CITIZEN'
Stephen A. Smith forced to clarify Jaylen Brown ‘not likable’ remark as ESPN star labels him a ‘brilliant young man’
Brown is on the verge of winning his first NBA title
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has taken to First Take to clarify controversial comments he had previously made about Jaylen Brown.
Smith came under heavy scrutiny during the Eastern Conference Finals after he critiqued Boston Celtics All-Star Brown on-air.
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After the Celtics took Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers 133-128, Smith decided to reveal what he'd been told about Brown by "an NBA source."
This came shortly after Brown was controversially left out of the All-NBA lineups.
"It's not so much that he's underrated; it's that he's just not liked because of his 'I-am-better-than-you attitude,'" Smith relayed.
"He knows it. It's the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be."
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Brown later called out Smith on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking him to, "State your source."
However, Smith declined, saying, "That's not happening. It's journalism. Not revealing sources."
Now with the Celtics one win away from sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Smith opted to return the topic on First Take when addressing the question "Who has the most to gain" should they win the title.
He again noted that the comments were not his own, adding that he felt those who criticized him were "short-sighted."
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"Brilliant young man," Smith said of Brown.
"Superstar caliber kind of talent. Big-time talent. $300 million player. Model citizen. Doesn't get into any trouble whatsoever.
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"He's an activist at heart. Politically consciousness. Speaks his mind. Believes in speaking truth to power.
"And I think from what I've been told, he's also a Muslim.
"And I bring all of that up because when we talk about marketability, you think about all of the kinds of things that should say, 'This guy should be every bit as marketable as anybody in the NBA.'"
Smith went on to claim that he felt Brown "deserves better," citing his lack of a sneaker deal as one example.
NBA Finals schedule
Thur 6 June - Game 1 - Dallas Mavericks 89-107 Boston Celtics
Sun 9 June - Game 2 - Dallas Mavericks 98-105 Boston Celtics
Wed 12 June - Game 3 - Boston Celtics 106-99 Dallas Mavericks
Fri 14 June - Game 4, 8.30pm ET - Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks
Mon 17 June - Game 5, 8.30pm ET - Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics
Thur 20 June - Game 6, 8.30pm ET - Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks
Sun 23 June - Game 7, 8pm ET - Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics
(Boston leads Dallas 3-0)
After heaping yet more praise on Brown for his work on and off the court, Smith said, "That's what I'm talking about when I say he's not liked, he's not appreciated, because people who are usually about that are usually the last ones to be appreciated in our society."
But now with Brown having been one of the standout performers throughout the Playoffs, and on the brink of his first Championship, Smith felt the time has come for him to receive the credit he deserves.
"If he wins this and gets Finals MVP, I don't think anybody stands to benefit more than he does," Smith said.
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The Celtics can secure their 18th NBA title on Friday with a win at American Airlines Center.
Game 4 is scheduled to tip off at 8:30pm ET.
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