ESPN analysts Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark are currently in a public dispute, with Smith accusing Clark of crossing a line by involving Robert Griffin III’s wife in their argument.
Background of the Disagreement
The disagreement began when Clark and Griffin, a Fox Sports analyst, shared their opinions about the confrontation between WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark during the Fever-Sky game on Saturday. Clark criticized Griffin for highlighting Caitlin Clark’s ethnicity during post-game interviews following her team’s win over Indiana on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. He referred to Griffin as "corny" while doing so.
Angel Reese’s Controversy
Reese sparked controversy earlier this month after she appeared to mock Caitlin Clark before a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. She later apologized for her actions, stating they were not meant to disrespect anyone. In an Instagram post, Reese wrote:
- "I’m sorry."
- "My intention wasn’t to hurt or disrespect anybody… I was just trying to bring some energy & excitement into our locker room."
- "It was wrong of me & I won’t let it happen again."
Smith’s Reaction
Smith took issue with how the situation escalated, particularly when he felt that Robert Griffin III brought his wife into the argument via social media. He stated on ESPN First Take:
- "Robert is married. He got his wife involved in this thing."
Smith expressed frustration at being called out by both Robert and Ryan for speaking out about the incident between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. He questioned their motives, saying:
- "I don’t know why you’re calling me out. You’re calling me out because you think I’m being too sensitive? You think I’m being too emotional?"
Clark’s Response
Clark responded by clarifying that he never called Smith sensitive or emotional. Instead, he accused Smith of being hypocritical for not speaking up when LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, was mocked last year. He stated on The Ryen Russillo Podcast:
- "I never called you sensitive or emotional. I just pointed it out because if we can call LeBron James’ son Bronny James corny, then we can call other people corny too."
Griffin’s Input
Later, Griffin weighed in via Twitter, writing:
- “If @StephenASmith is going to be mad about @RyanClarkNFL bringing my wife into this conversation, then maybe next time @StephenASmith should keep his mouth shut.”
Smith’s Criticism of Athletes
Stephen A. Smith has been critical of several athletes recently, including:
- WNBA star Angel Reese
- NBA star Luka Doncic
- NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes
- NFL quarterback Tom Brady
- NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo
- NBA player Zion Williamson
- MLB pitcher Shohei Ohtani
When asked about his perspective on accountability in sports, Smith replied:
- “No one wants accountability anymore.”
- “Everybody wants everybody else held accountable except themselves.”
This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of public commentary in sports and the personal stakes involved for those in the spotlight.
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