{"id":719546,"date":"2026-06-06T19:08:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T19:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/719546\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T19:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T19:08:11","slug":"nba-fans-roast-stephen-a-smith-for-saying-hes-too-popular-to-sit-in-the-stands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/719546\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Fans Roast Stephen A. Smith For Saying He’s Too Popular To Sit In The Stands"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Knicks<\/a> emerged victorious after a 105-95 result in Game 1 of the NBA Finals<\/a> on Wednesday night. Having beaten the San Antonio Spurs<\/a>, the Knicks have taken a 1-0 lead in the series, a most favorable outcome for die-hard Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While speaking about the Knicks\u2019 victory, Stephen A. Smith appropriately reviewed the team\u2019s performance. However, when discussing Jalen Brunson<\/a>\u2018s injury scare, Smith drew some flak from the panel of \u201cFirst Take<\/a>,\u201d as he stated:<\/p>\n

\u201cI was standing in the tunnel, because that\u2019s what I like to do. Obviously, I\u2019m a popular dude, so it\u2019s difficult to sit in the stands and stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The team of \u201cFirst Take\u201d could be heard letting out exasperated reactions after Smith\u2019s comment. Despite this, the analyst continued:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he hurt his knee. When he got his knee banged into, I turned around and left. I went to the back. I was sitting with Barkley and the crew because I needed to be assured. I needed to be assured that everything was going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Stephen A. Smith\u2019s emphasis was on the fear he felt for his Knicks after watching Jalen Brunson head to the locker room, most focused on his comments about his popularity. With fans on social media displaying particular interest in this remark, many took to X to roast him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet over yourself,\u201d\u00a0said one user.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s so afraid to get a reality check and getting booed, he\u2019d rather not risk his little man ego,\u201d noted another fan.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuy thinks he\u2019s an NBA superstar,\u201d\u00a0joked another.<\/p>\n

\u201cPopular and polarizing are not the same,\u201d\u00a0clarified one user.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaha, Stephen A said he\u2019s too popular to sit with fans. His ego is huge,\u201d\u00a0commented another fan.<\/p>\n

\u201cBro, cover the sport and go home. Better yet, just go home,\u201d\u00a0shared one annoyed fan.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t stand hearing the cracks about how bad his takes are,\u201d added another.<\/p>\n

\u201cESPN is a\u2013 for creating this monster. Who the hell does he think he is!?!\u201d\u00a0argued another exasperated user.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is he so damn corny, bruv? He\u2019s moving with bodyguards like\u2026 Ain\u2019t nobody give an f about you,\u00a0 dude,\u201d harshly stated one user.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do think he\u2019s terrified and insecure of public reactions to him,\u201d\u00a0one fan noted.\u00a0\u201cKnicks fans don\u2019t like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just by gauging the outrage from fans on social media, it was evident that many didn\u2019t rate Stephen A. Smith very highly as a popular media figure. However, it is difficult to deny how influential he has been in sports journalism, not to mention how familiar a face he has been in broadcasting.<\/p>\n

While many may disagree with Stephen A. Smith\u2019s self-perceived degree of popularity, the ESPN analyst doesn\u2019t fail to flex it with every opportunity he gets.<\/p>\n

Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Smith was escorted to the arena by armed bodyguards after predicting that New York would win in six games in front of the home crowd.<\/p>\n

Stephen A. Smith needed extra security as he claimed in front of the Alamo that the New York Knicks will \u201cwin in 6\u201d against the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n

His show \u201cFirst Take\u201d was held in front of the Alamo for the
NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

(Via waking_up_in_sa\/ig) pic.twitter.com\/PBwJvHGnx0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA Base (@TheNBABase) June 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

While jarring in its own way, it is safe to say that this isn\u2019t the only instance that Stephen A. Smith has made the most of a situation. If there is an opportunity to gain more \u201caura,\u201d it is safe to assume that Smith will be there.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Stars are a common sight in Los Angeles, and at Lakers games, it is safe to say that the courtside seats are studded with them. Even in such a context, Smith confidently shows up in chic clothing, drawing attention from fans in the arena.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Even before games, Smith carries himself with a certain swagger and confidence. While some would argue that this could be a reflection of his inflated self-perception, others would say his reputation demands it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

While Stephen A. Smith is considered by many as a reputable figure in sports journalism, antics like these portray him as a vain individual. While this isn\u2019t necessarily the worst quality to have, especially given his line of work, it is apparent how such a trait can lend itself to biased and sensational reporting<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

Fans are likely to continue criticizing Smith for his on-camera behavior and his takes on certain topics<\/a>. Regardless, given how large a figure he is in the sporting world<\/a>, it is more than likely that most will still tune in to listen to what he says.<\/p>\n