Jay Williams, the second-round choice in 2002, and Stephen A. Smith, a longtime analyst for ESPN, got into a fight last month after Smith had been picking Kyrie Irving apart during every other First Take appearance.
That came after Kyrie asked the Nets’ front office for a trade and traveled to the Dallas Mavericks. When it comes to the 2016 NBA champion, the former Bulls guard believed it might be something personal for Smith.
Stephen A. fired his gun at that point. Watch the entire conversation here.
Jay Williams Was Intimidated by Kobe Bryant, Why Would He Be by Stephen A. Smith?
After their argument on ESPN First Take, Smith and Williams have both been on numerous podcasts. Williams appeared on the Front Office Sports Today Podcast while the seasoned analyst spoke about the subject on The Mike Missanelli Podcast.
Jay Williams told FOS, “What the hell makes you think I’m going to be afraid going against Stephen A. Smith? I wasn’t intimidated playing against Kobe Bryant.” I’ve competed against some of the best athletes in the world and engaged in intellectual debate with some of the world’s smartest individuals.
I don’t feel the need to back down from anyone, and in addition, to thinking, Stephen A. Smith is one of the best actors currently working in television, I also think I’m among the best in my field. Now, Smith ought to have heard it from someone. The dude has been treating retired NBA players with complete disdain. It was past due.
Smith Considers Himself Bigger than Athletes
Unquestionably, the 55-year-old expert is one of the best sports writers working today. That being said, he is that because there is a sport and athletes that participate in it and provide him something to discuss every day.
He’s not bigger than any of them or the sport, not even close. The $20 million sports media behemoth undoubtedly disagrees, though. See how Kendrick Perkins, the NBA champion, gets treated like a nobody in this video.
While sharing the screen with someone who has played professionally, anyone claiming to be an expert in the sport but who has not actually done so should know their limits. Clearly, Stephen A. Smith does not.
