The Problem Black People have with Stephen A. Smith

Even though the NBA is the primary sport that SAS covers, it’s not the only sport that he covers. He is the host of a sports show that talks about all sports. On July 25, 2014, Smith got suspended from ESPN for remarks he made in regards to the domestic violence situation involving former NFL running back Ray Rice and his wife. He later apologized for his comments

Last year he had to apologize to the Asian Community following his comments regarding MLB Shohei Ohtani who is from Japan. “I don’t think it helps that the No. 1 face is a dude that needs an interpreter so you can understand what the hell he’s saying, in this country, and that’s what I’m trying to say,” Smith said.

Once again he had to get back on Twitter and his First Take show and issue an apology.

“Let me apologize right now,” Smith said in a tweet. “As I’m watching things unfold, let me say that I never intended to offend ANY COMMUNITY, particularly the Asian community ― and especially SHOHEI Ohtani, himself.

“As an African-American, keenly aware of the damage stereotyping has done to many in this country, it should’ve elevated my sensitivities even more. Based on my words, I failed in that regard and it’s on me, and me alone!”

Smith reiterated his apology to open “First Take” on Tuesday morning, saying, “I just want to look into the camera and extend my sincere apologies.”

“I was wrong. Period. There is no excuse,” he continued. “… The reality is I was completely clueless as to the kind of impact that this would have on the Asian and Asian American community. That was not my intent at all.”

The problem seems to lie between SAS being so critical of Black athletes and being so apologetic to everyone else.

Even though former NBA player Kwame Brown has had issues with seemingly everyone in the media, I have to repeat what he said. “Oh well, he gonna have to apologize to the Asians or whoever he offended. But he’s not gonna say shit to us. He apologized to everybody else apart from us.”

It seems that Stephen A. Smith has realized that the easiest way to create sensational headlines based on negative comments is to direct them toward Black Men. He works for ESPN, a company owned by Disney which is one of the most powerful corporations in the world. There is understanding that there are certain things and people that you cannot talk about and certain things and people you can.

This is something that entertainer Jaime Foxx call Smith out on in response to his criticism of NBA player Ben Simmons.

“That is completely unfair @bensimmons has a family this man has people that love him and this man just plays basketball but to be dragged through the mud like this is unfair,” Foxx wrote. He also compared Smith’s criticism of Black athletes to that of athletes of other races, particularly Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who Smith has voiced his respect and admiration for on numerous occasions.

“And why is it @stephenasmith you only go at basketball players,” he continued. “You [are] completely mute when it comes to the Tom Bradys [and] the Aaron Rodgers of the world… You get where I’m going… stop it bruh it’s out of bounds.”

While responding to Jaime Foxx, Smith made sure to let it be known that they were good friends. He also stated that the two talked on the phone and there is no beef or misunderstanding between them.

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