Former ESPN host unleashes scathing Stephen A. Smith attack
Former ESPN host Jason Fitz didn't like Stephen A. Smith's comments about Memphis — and called him out for it.
Fitz, who worked on ESPN's digital side and the radio, claimed that Smith is often unprepared during an appearance during an appearance on 92.9 ESPN in Memphis on Tuesday following the 'First Take' host's controversial comments on the Tennessee city.
Smith said on the show that while Memphis is a great sports town some NBA starts don't feel safe there.,
'But there's an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don't feel it's the safest environment. I'm talking to the local authorities in Memphis,' Smith said. 'You've got to clean some of that stuff up because it's dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They've told me.'
Fitz responded by calling out Smith's preparedness.
'Stephen A. is one of the least prepared people I've ever worked with in my entire career,' Fitz said.
3 Jason Fitz attends the Allstate Party at the Playoff, hosted by ESPN & CFP on January 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Getty Images for ESPN & CFP
Fitz mentioned how he often worked 80-hour weeks during his final fall with the network before being laid off in 2023, questioning how Smith would have time to generate informed opinions on Memphis.
'Now, Stephen A. is busier than I ever was. We see him making content 24/7,' Fitz said. 'So, I guess my question to people in Memphis is: how much Memphis do you think he's actually absorbed? And I mean all of it. Memphis culture, Memphis basketball.
3 Stephen A. Smith reports from the sideline during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Western Conference finals on May 26, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
NBAE via Getty Images
'What the hell does Stephen A. know about the city of Memphis? And the answer to that is only what his friends or his people on his phone, tweet him, or text him. That's all he knows. He is so separated from actual reality. What does he know?'
Fitz also claimed that Smith 'eats and breathes stereotypes,' while also saying that he likely has not watched a Grizzlies game in years.
'Stephen A. walks and talks and lives and eats and breathes stereotypes,' Fitz said. 'That's all he knows… Frankly, he has to talk about the city of Memphis because my guy hasn't watched a single Memphis basketball game in probably three years.'
3 Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) shoots the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA first-round playoff series Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
AP
'Stephen A. has a staff and info group that feeds him information so that he can have somewhat informed opinions, and they're usually not because he works too hard to actually watch any games,' added Fitz.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young extended Smith an invitation to the city, and the ESPN personality accepted.
'Deeply appreciate your words and the sentiments that came with them,' Smith wrote on X on Thursday. 'Progress is what life is all about and when it comes to Memphis -where some dear friends of mine reside − I wish for nothing less. The people deserve nothing less.
'So with that said, I accept your invitation to come to your city, as your guest. Let's make it happen. I'm looking forward to it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
"I can't think of a better person to do it" - Scottie Pippen on Michael Jordan presenting him at his Hall of Fame induction
"I can't think of a better person to do it" - Scottie Pippen on Michael Jordan presenting him at his Hall of Fame induction originally appeared on Basketball Network. Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan's relationship has long been tumultuous. In recent years, both have taken public shots at each other, adding layers to a feud that's hard to ignore. But it wasn't always this fractured. Advertisement For instance, in 2010, the tone was strikingly different. Back then, Jordan inducted Pippen into the Hall of Fame, and the latter welcomed the honor wholeheartedly. The headline pairing Pip officially stepped away in 2008, four years removed from his last NBA game. Retirement had barely begun when the call came: the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was waiting — an honor the Arkansas native said he never could have dreamed of. "It's not an accolade that you can just go out and achieve," explained Pippen, per "You have to impress people by the way you play the game. I tried to play the game the right way my whole career, played to win, and tried to be the best." Advertisement The 6'8" forward delivered on that promise throughout his career. But it was no secret he had help on the court — from one of the greatest to ever play the game. In 2010, following tradition, every Hall of Famer was introduced by a fellow legend — like Karl Malone, who was presented by New York Knicks great Willis Reed — making it only natural that Jordan, inducted the year before, would present Pippen. For Scottie, it was fitting. The moment felt like another shared milestone in a career defined by tandem greatness. "I can't think of a better person to do it," he remarked, per ESPN. "Michael is someone I shared my career with, accomplishing most of what I have accomplished thus far." Advertisement Related: "I don't think I should defend myself anymore, I'm done with that in my life" - Allen Iverson on why he's had enough trying to defend his public image Wholesome moment during Pip's enshrinement speech Mike and Scottie forged one of the NBA's most dominant duos, leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s. Their partnership extended beyond the NBA, shining on the original Dream Team that crushed the competition at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Their legacy wasn't just about rings or accolades — multiple All-Star appearances, All-Defensive honors, and spots among the league's 50 greatest players — but the bond they shared. Advertisement For Pippen, Jordan was more than a teammate. He was a "great teammate, teacher, and admirer." "I'm excited to have an opportunity to be the first person that he has presented into the Hall of Fame," the Arkansas native remarked. "I figure if anyone deserves to be on the stage with me, it's him." Ultimately, when Pippen took the stage to deliver his induction speech, he turned immediately to Jordan. "What an honor it is for me as a basketball player to have the all-time great presenting me here tonight," he said. "It was so valuable to me as a player to see someone who had the same desire, determination, passion, and love for the game." Advertisement "Who knew that number 23 would be here 23 years later presenting me into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. MJ, you have touched so many people's lives, but none like mine. Thank you for being the best teammate. I will always cherish that experience, and I will cherish our relationship forever. Thank you." Despite the ups and downs that would later strain their relationship, that moment remains a powerful reminder of the respect and connection the two Hall of Famers once shared. Related: "Michael, I love you, but I'm glad to see you go" - Scottie Pippen described getting Michael Jordan's locker in 1993 as his greatest promotion This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Zach Randolph denies giving DeMarre Carroll $10K for sneakers: "That's a little too much cap in your rap"
Zach Randolph denies giving DeMarre Carroll $10K for sneakers: "That's a little too much cap in your rap" originally appeared on Basketball Network. It's well-known that many NBA players lead lives of excess and luxury. With wealth flowing into their accounts at an astonishing pace, they often find themselves unsure of how to manage it all. Often, they spend it on luxurious houses, cars, and designer shoes. Advertisement According to NBA veteran DeMarre Carroll, this was the case with his former teammate on the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph. If Carroll, a 6'6" forward who played 11 seasons in the league, is to be believed, Z-Bo gave him a wad of money to purchase a pair of all-white Air Force 1s — a staple in a hooper's wardrobe. Believing it was a test from the veteran who mentored him during his rookie season, DeMarre spent a significant amount on multiple pairs, estimating he had about $6,000 remaining. Later, he recounted how Z-Bo, impressed by his effort to fulfill the request, rewarded him with an additional $4,000, bringing his total to $10,000. Zach took time on "The Big Podcast with Shaq" to refute DeMarre's story, saying he would not want to toss around large amounts of money like that. A bad business move When DeMarre joined the NBA as Memphis' 27th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Zach was already making a hefty salary of $16.5 million per year. While he was not frugal, he emphasized that his former rook's story was an exaggerated fabrication. He sent Carroll on plenty of errands and tasks, but he never once handed out $10,000. Advertisement "Everybody asked me that, bro. Come on, man. What kind of business move is that?" Z-Bo said with a laugh. "DeMarre, please quit telling that lie. You my little bro. I love you, bro. But come on, man." Nike Air Force 1s, especially the white-on-whites, are a staple in the NBA. They're comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to match any outfit. However, Randolph found it ridiculous that anyone would believe he would hand out six grand to buy one pair. "I'm going to give you $6,000 for some damn Air Force Ones? Come on, little bro. I want you to make your story sound good, but that's a little too much cap in your rap, man. God damn," Zach stated. Related: "I can't think of a better person to do it" - Scottie Pippen on Michael Jordan presenting him at his Hall of Fame induction Even Shaq was impressed when he heard the story The podcast host Shaq has had his fair share of extravagant spending throughout his career. From customizing cars to generously buying whatever strangers desired, he has indulged in a wide range of costly ventures. However, even O'Neal couldn't believe someone would spend that much on one pair of shoes. Advertisement "I heard that story, I was like, 'Damn, $10,000?' I only gave five. Only gave five!" Big Diesel chimed in. Zach understood what DeMarre was trying to do, but believes he went overboard. While he appreciated the effort to make a good impression, Zach couldn't help but refute such an outrageous claim. "Man had made a hell of a story up. I said, '$10,000?' I know he tried to make his big bro look good, but that's just a dummy move right there," Randolph stressed. Many NBA players do stupid things with the money they make in the league. Z-Bo, though, was a lot more responsible with his. Related: Marc Gasol names the post players who gave him hell as a rookie: "Z-Bo and Al were the two toughest guys I had to guard" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics Linked After Recent Kevin Durant Trade Report
Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics Linked After Recent Kevin Durant Trade Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns have yet to strike a Kevin Durant trade, though that deal could come any day now. Advertisement The 15-time All-Star was nearly moved by the franchise at the most recent trade deadline, which all but confirmed an eventual divorce between the two sides. Durant's preferred destinations are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat -- though the Suns have made it clear they are making the best decision for the franchise. With this, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors remain options for Durant to be traded to. There could be another dark horse suitor, too. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles, which will lead to the 2024 champions playing next season without their superstar forward. Advertisement A fire sale could ensue in Boston, as they look to offload high-salaried players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and even Derrick White. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35), Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Celtics center Al Horford (42).© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images The Celtics don't need to take a gap year just because they might clean up their salary books, though, and Durant could finally be a viable option for the Celtics. According to Zach Lowe, the Celtics have discussed landing the two-time champion from the Suns, re-routing Holiday to a new destination. "I've heard that there have been discussions of 3-team Durant related trades where Jrue Holiday moves somewhere," Lowe reports. The Suns have already been disappointed with the trade packages from Durant's top three trade options. Facilitating a trade with the Celtics to benefit both sides -- while moving the 15-time All-Star -- could make sense for Phoenix. Advertisement While the Celtics may have had internal -- or even external -- conversations about landing Durant, the Suns need to be interested. With Devin Booker still in The Valley, Phoenix will be sure to make a move in their best interest, meaning the Celtics will have to outbid other suitors. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
