Boston Celtics star and NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown made a significant statement as he stepped out of his car to join the celebratory championship parade in Boston on Friday.
Brown chose to wear a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “State Your Source” in bold white letters, a direct reference to a notable interaction he had with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
The backstory of Brown’s T-shirt stems from a comment Smith made on ESPN’s First Take last month. Smith shared a message he received from an NBA source, stating, “He said, ‘Jaylen Brown, it’s not so much that he’s underrated, it’s that he’s just not liked because of his I-am-better-than-you attitude. He knows it. It’s the same reason he is not as marketable as he should be.’ That’s what an NBA source just sent me.”
This report painted Brown in a less-than-favorable light, suggesting his attitude affected both his likability and marketability within the NBA.
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In response to Smith’s televised comments, Brown took to social media to express his discontent. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he succinctly replied, “State your source,” signaling his frustration with the anonymous nature of the criticism and challenging the validity of the report.
Throughout their impressive playoff journey, Brown and the Celtics faced a barrage of criticism, often deemed unjustified by many observers. Yet, as they gathered to celebrate their championship triumph on Friday, commemorating the franchise’s 18th NBA title, Brown’s choice of attire highlighted that he had not forgotten the remarks made by Smith and others during their path to victory.
This moment of sartorial choice by Brown wasn’t just about marking a festive occasion; it was a clear and deliberate message that resonated deeply amidst the festivities.
