Sports and politics are now fighting. ESPN star Stephen A. Smith has angrily answered his critics. This started with talk about the NFL’s MVP award. It grew into a fight with MSNBC’s Joy Reid and Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. Smith is known for saying exactly what he thinks. He says his words were twisted. He says people tried to make it look like he does not support Black athletes.
The Initial Spark: Lamar Jackson and the MVP Narrative
It all began on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast. He talked about the 2023 NFL MVP winner. Smith clearly said the winner, Lamar Jackson, deserved it. But he also said something about race. Smith said a small number of people who voted might have wanted a Black quarterback to win.
He said, “I’m simply saying there are some people—it wasn’t the majority—but there are some people that were inspired to vote for him because of that.” This comment started a huge fight in the media.
The Accusations: Joy Reid and Jasmine Crockett Respond
People in politics reacted quickly. On her TV show, Joy Reid said Smith was “playing the race card.” She said his words hurt the achievements of Black athletes. She felt that talking about race took attention away from how good Jackson played.
At the same time, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett agreed on social media. She said Smith’s talk was a distraction. She said it made Jackson’s hard work seem less important. She said putting identity politics in sports is not helpful.
Stephen A. Smith Fires Back: “They Should Be Ashamed”
Stephen A. Smith did not stay quiet. He answered back strongly on ESPN and his podcast. He was very frustrated. He said his critics ignored his history of supporting Black athletes for many years.
“They should be ashamed of themselves,” Smith said. “I am the one who has been celebrating Black athletes for decades. To change my words and act like I am taking credit away from Lamar Jackson is a lie.” He said he speaks truths others are scared to say. He accused Reid and Crockett of creating division for their own gain.
The Core Conflict: Meritocracy vs. Sociological Context
The fight is really about two ideas:
- Smith’s Idea: It is okay to say that racial pride can be a small factor. This does not mean the player is not talented. It is just an observation about how people think.
- The Critics’ Idea: Bringing race into the talk about an award moves the focus. It moves from “what the player did” to “who the player is.” This can make the achievement seem less real to some people.
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Regional Impact: From Baltimore to Texas and New York
This argument is big news in some places:
- Maryland & Baltimore: Ravens fans and local news mostly support Jackson. Many are tired of conversations that are not about the game.
- Texas: Jasmine Crockett is from Texas. People there are talking about whether politicians should be talking about sports.
- New York: New York is where ESPN is based. Sports radio there is full of people arguing about what sports journalists should say.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Stephen A. Smith say Lamar Jackson didn’t deserve the MVP?
No. Smith said many times that Jackson was the rightful winner. His comments were about why a few people voted, not about Jackson’s skill.
Why are Joy Reid and Jasmine Crockett involved?
They are important voices in the Black community. They often talk about race and culture. They thought Smith’s words were bad for how people see Black success in sports.
Has Lamar Jackson commented on the feud?
Right now, Lamar Jackson has not said anything. He is staying out of the fight and focusing on football.
Conclusion: The Evolving Role of the Sports Journalist
This fight shows what happens when sports, race, and media mix in today’s world. The job of a sports journalist is changing. The line between talking about society and talking about the game is getting blurry. People are still arguing. Some think Smith’s comment was needed. Others think it was just a distraction. Fans all over the country are talking about it.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.