ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith responded to Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant’s recent comments, where Durant called him a “clown” during an interview with The Athletic.
Smith addressed Durant’s remarks on Monday’s episode of “First Take,” refusing to engage in what he described as “petty and childish” behavior.
“Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players to have ever played this game,” Smith began. “He’s a future Hall of Famer, a two-time champion, and a two-time Finals MVP. I’ve been on the record saying he’s also a good dude. So if he wants to resort to that level—well, that’s something he has to deal with, not me.”
Smith also refuted Durant’s claim that he has never seen Smith at practices or film sessions, pointing out that he has covered Durant’s career extensively, including attending games and locker room interviews.
“Kevin Durant, could you stop lying, please? I’ve been an NBA reporter, and I was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer as well. Kevin Durant has seen me in the locker room when he was at Oklahoma City and Golden State. He has certainly seen me at games throughout his career.”
Stephen A. Smith responds to Kevin Durant calling him a “clown”: “I will not disrespect him the same way he disrespects me. It’s unfortunate that no matter how old he gets, his sensitivity seems to heighten with it and his maturity it doesn’t. But that’s something he has to deal… pic.twitter.com/nzujKIJUyU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 4, 2024
As the NBA season progresses, it will be interesting to see if this feud continues or if both parties move on. One thing is certain: Durant’s remarks have added another layer to the ongoing debate about leadership and media responsibility in sports.
