Stephen A. Smith recently reiterated his stance during ESPN’s “First Take” regarding comments he made earlier this month, which centered on concerns expressed by black NBA coaches about LeBron James.
Smith had reported that these coaches were troubled by James launching a podcast with JJ Redick at a time when then-Lakers coach Darvin Ham was perceived to be under considerable pressure.
“Black coaches called a black commentator to complain about a black superstar doing a podcast while his black head coach was on the hot seat before he ultimately lost the damn job,” Smith explained to his audience. He emphasized the racial dynamics at play, asserting, “What does that have to do with white folks? Some things are none of your damn business.”
This issue arose from the perception that James engaging in a high-profile media project like the “Mind the Game” podcast could potentially undermine Coach Ham during a turbulent season for the Lakers. Smith clarified that his intention was not to blame JJ Redick for the situation but to highlight the concerns that were shared with him.
The report drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including Fox Sports Radio’s Doug Gottlieb, who accused Smith of “race-baiting.” ESPN’s own Pat McAfee also voiced his displeasure about the way the discussions surrounding Redick’s hiring had unfolded, though he did not mention Smith by name.
Addressing the backlash, Smith remarked, “It was a black on black thing, but you’ve got other folks who will remain nameless working for other networks with their irrelevant-ass selves popping their junk,” stressing that the reactions from others were misplaced and that the core of the matter was the unfortunate optics created by the situation, not racial antagonism.
In a related development, JJ Redick, a former NBA player turned analyst, who had briefly ventured into podcasting with LeBron James, was officially introduced as the Lakers’ new head coach last week. This appointment followed the decline of a substantial offer by UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who chose to stay with his current team. Redick, who signed a four-year contract estimated at around $8 million per year, has been recognized for his analytical approach to basketball since transitioning to media and analysis roles. His coaching appointment marks a significant career shift, given his lack of previous coaching experience.
During his own media address, Redick announced the end of his podcasting stint, stating he would be “excommunicated from the content space” by his own choice, signaling his full commitment to his new role as head coach.
This series of events highlights the intricate interplay of media, race, and professional sports, showcasing the complex narratives that can emerge from the actions of high-profile sports figures.
