Stephen A. Smith | Ep. 142

Summary

Full Send Podcast - Episode 142: Stephen A. Smith

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host/Author: Shots Podcast Network
Description: Full Send Podcast brought to you by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer.

---

Introduction

In Episode 142 of the Full Send Podcast, hosts Kyle Forgeard, Steiny, and Brad welcome renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith to discuss a wide range of topics spanning sports, politics, and societal issues. The conversation is both engaging and insightful, offering listeners a deep dive into current events and personal anecdotes from the hosts and their guest.

---

Nightlife Adventures and Betting Stories

The episode kicks off with the hosts recounting their recent night out, including a brief visit to a strip club named Blue Flame, which turned out to be an unexpected experience.

• Steiny: "Yeah, briefly. Like we went to obviously the event that we were at and then we went to some place called Blue Flame, which was apparently a strip club. Got in there for two minutes left." [01:32]

The discussion transitions into their betting experiences, particularly surrounding a Chandler fight where Steiny shared his disappointment over losing money.

• Steiny: "I lost some money. That was a little sad." [01:57]

---

Sports Betting and Prize Picks Promotion

Kyle promotes the Prize Picks app, encouraging listeners to engage in sports betting by choosing individual player performances. He shares his enthusiasm for the recent Prize Picks World Championships, despite his team's disappointing outcome.

• Kyle Forgeard: "Prize Picks is so fun. Honestly, I cannot watch sports without playing Prize Picks. It makes watching the game so much more interesting." [00:00]

A special code, NELK, is offered for listeners to receive a bonus when they sign up, enhancing audience engagement with the promotion.

---

Stephen A. Smith on the Boxing Match: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Stephen A. Smith's analysis of the recent boxing exhibition between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Stephen provides a detailed critique of Jake Paul's performance against the aging Tyson.

• Stephen A. Smith: "I think compassion kicked in, and he was like, I don't really want to hurt this guy." [17:03]

He argues that Jake Paul may have intentionally held back against Tyson due to respect and the physical disparity in age and experience.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Mike Tyson walked into the ring stumbling... I think ultimately, being in the ring with a guy that's 31 years older than you, approaching 60 years of age, I think compassion kicked in." [17:25]

Stephen emphasizes Tyson's endurance despite his age, suggesting that Paul's approach was more about preserving Tyson rather than an earnest attempt to win the bout aggressively.

---

Basketball Insights: LeBron James, Jokic, and the Future of the NBA

Transitioning to basketball, Stephen A. Smith shares his perspectives on current NBA stars and the evolving dynamics of the league.

LeBron James: Stephen discusses the longevity and impact of LeBron James, predicting his retirement and pondering who might become the next face of the NBA.

• Stephen A. Smith: "I think LeBron will retire at this season and then next season, and then I think he'll call it a career." [28:23]

Nikola Jokic: Addressing Nikola Jokic's standing in the NBA, Stephen praises his basketball IQ while critiquing his athleticism compared to other all-time greats.

• Stephen A. Smith: "He's a phenomenal basketball player, but primarily due to his IQ because he really, really, really knows how to play." [25:45]

Anthony Edwards: Highlighting Anthony Edwards as a potential future face of the NBA, Stephen lauds his performance, personality, and versatility on the court.

• Stephen A. Smith: "I think Anthony Edwards, his game, his flair, his personality, all of those things make you think... he could be the face of the league." [37:52]

---

Political Commentary: The State of American Politics

A substantial portion of the conversation delves into American politics, with Stephen A. Smith providing a critical analysis of both Democratic and Republican strategies.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Everything comes back to money. When the dust settles and you just scrape it off, it always comes back to dollars and cents." [40:14]

He argues that economic concerns and border security are paramount issues for voters, overshadowing other topics that politicians may emphasize.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Your vision may be different than mine. And as long as you can articulate that vision and you ain't scared to do it, and you ain't some damn supremacist or something that's hating people and wishing violence upon other people, I'm good with you." [47:04]

Stephen advocates for a focus on tangible issues like the economy and safety, criticizing the politicization of social issues that distract from voters' primary concerns.

---

Emerging Personalities and Future Prospects in Sports

The discussion shifts to the emergence of new talents and the future landscape of sports personalities.

Heisman Trophy and Football Talent: Stephen discusses promising athletes like Travis Hunter and Shedeur, highlighting their skills and potential impacts on their respective sports.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Travis Hunter is a special talent. No question about it. And by the way, a straight A student, 4.0." [39:19]

Nepotism in Sports: Addressing concerns about nepotism, particularly regarding Bronny James entering the NBA, Stephen differentiates between earned positions and those influenced by family ties.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Bronny James did not do what it took to earn a spot on an NBA roster. That's the bottom line." [34:26]

He draws parallels to other athletes like Austin Rivers, emphasizing that performance and merit are critical, irrespective of familial connections.

---

Closing Thoughts and Farewell

As the episode winds down, the hosts and Stephen A. Smith exchange light-hearted comments and express their appreciation for the conversation. Kyle hints at upcoming events like the Prize Picks World Championships, wrapping up the episode on an engaging note.

• Stephen A. Smith: "I'll see y'all later." [51:11]

---

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. Smith: "Everything comes back to money." [40:14]

• Kyle Forgeard: "Prize Picks is so fun. Honestly, I cannot watch sports without playing Prize Picks." [00:00]

• Stephen A. Smith: "I think compassion kicked in, and he was like, I don't really want to hurt this guy." [17:03]

• Stephen A. Smith: "Anthony Edwards... could be the face of the league." [37:52]

---

Conclusion

Episode 142 of the Full Send Podcast offers a robust discussion blending sports analysis with political commentary. Stephen A. Smith provides seasoned insights into boxing, basketball, and the intricate landscape of American politics, while the hosts contribute their unique perspectives and experiences. This episode serves as a comprehensive overview for listeners seeking thoughtful discourse on contemporary issues in sports and society.

Transcript

[Kyle Forgeard]

Boys, Happy dad is now available in Oregon just in time for summer. We made the best tasting seltzer and tea that's low in sugar, gluten free and has no artificial flavors. Make sure to stock up at Winco, Walmart and US Market. Get it before it's gone. You have to be 21 plus to drink and buy Happy Dad. Alright boys, we got Stephen A on the pod today. Before we get into it, you guys gotta download the Prize Picks app. If for some reason you have never tried it yet, download it right now. We just came back from the prize books world championships, got a disappointing l going to come back for the title next year again. Prize Picks is so fun. Honestly, I cannot watch sports without playing Prize Picks. It makes watching the game so much more interesting. Instead of choosing teams, you're choosing individual players. So you go on the app, each player has a more or less set projection and then it's up to you. You either choose more or less than that set projection. So if you're watching the games and you know what players are going to perform on what nights, Prize Picks is the app for you. We got you guys on a special code. Code Nelk. If you use Code Nelk and put in $5, you're gon $50 with that code Nelk. Easy as that, no strings attached. Put in $5, get $50. It's an absolute steal. So download the Prize Picks app, use Code Nelk. Football's on, college football, hockey, NBA, everything's on boys. Download the Prize Picks app, use Code Nelk. Get another pod. How was last night?

[Steiny]

It was good. It was good.

[Kyle Forgeard]

This is classic. Steiny's late.

[Steiny]

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. It's like this is, this would make sense.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Did you, how was last night? Did you guys, did you go out with them or no?

[Steiny]

Yeah, briefly. Like we went to obviously the event that we were at and then we went to some place called Blue Flame, which was apparently a strip club. Got in there for two minutes left.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Apparently a strip club.

[Steiny]

It was, I didn't know until I got there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, right.

[Steiny]

No, I didn't know. I knew Magic City was a strip club.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Okay.

[Steiny]

And then I didn't know Blue Flame was a strip club. The second we walked in there it was like, oh no, we're getting out. And then we just left.

[Kyle Forgeard]

You guys didn't say, didn't stay.

[Steiny]

We watched, I, I watched Chandler fight, lose, I lost some money. That was a little sad.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Oh, you took Chandler. That's your guy, right?

[Steiny]

Yeah, and I did too.

[Kyle Forgeard]

And then I. Yeah, I took Jon Jones, Bo Nickel, and Oliveira parlay.

[Steiny]

Well, I did a parlay. Jon Jones, Bo Nickel, Chandler. I. You got me. But then I. Then I bet big on Jon Jones because I was like, he's 100% guaranteed.

[Kyle Forgeard]

And of course, guys, I'm a go.

[Steiny]

He's the.

[Kyle Forgeard]

He's Steiny. Probably had a late night.

[Steiny]

100. Yeah, he stayed out later. I think he went back out.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Most pods he walks on now. He just looks like. Yeah, Ben Shapiro. Everyone was commenting like, yo, this guy was. He just looks like he's been out all night.

[Steiny]

What city was Ben Shapiro in?

[Kyle Forgeard]

Miami.

[Steiny]

Oh, that makes sense. Yeah, that makes sense.

[Kyle Forgeard]

But I don't think there is a city where, like, I mean, Atlanta.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

We're gonna be in Iowa. It's gonna be the same thing.

[Steiny]

Yeah, dude, he was. I don't know, man.

[Kyle Forgeard]

He's gonna walk in here, like, paranoid as too. Like, what's good? Why is everyone looking at me?

[Steiny]

And he's gotta chill out, man. He's like. Like, dude, I don't know why he's so. He's. He likes the partying so much. More than you've chilled out the most.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I've chilled out the most, bro. I just get so hungover now. It's not worth it. It's not worth it.

[Steiny]

I know you get it now.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Pick and choose.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wow.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Wow.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What up?

[Brad]

What up?

[Steiny]

Yeah, what you look like.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Dude, you.

[Kyle Forgeard]

You too.

[Steiny]

Do you remember years ago, though? Like, because about five years ago is when we were really doing it and you were partying.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Crazy. Yeah.

[Steiny]

Remember me? I was always like, nah, I'm kind of good. Yeah, because I was older.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I know, but you've always been Jack, so you get away with the like, yo, I'm not drinking.

[Steiny]

Yeah, I asked fair.

[Kyle Forgeard]

That's such a cheat code.

[Steiny]

It is. You're like, oh, we get it.

[Brad]

Yeah, that guy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We get it.

[Steiny]

Get in here, dude.

[Kyle Forgeard]

How's your night?

[Brad]

Fun.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Well, what'd you guys do?

[Brad]

Yo, this sucks these days. I'm serious.

[Kyle Forgeard]

What?

[Brad]

Like, if I go out and have a good time, I gotta hear it from five people now?

[Kyle Forgeard]

From who?

[Brad]

From Gabe.

[Kyle Forgeard]

That's just Gabe.

[Brad]

Yo, Gabe. By the way, if you haven't tuned in, this guy's raiding dicks for a living now.

[Steiny]

Wait, what?

[Brad]

Yeah, Raiding dicks.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Have you seen the clip?

[Brad]

Yeah, no, this guy shows him his dick. And, Gabe, we should react to that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What?

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So by the way, you text me again for the second night in the row at 105.

[Brad]

Yeah, see if you're out, bro. No, no, no, dude, I. I get laid with women.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's.

[Brad]

That's totally fine, but I'm not. I'm not hitting you up. Trust me, if. If I was gay, I would get a way better looking. You can't be being honest like you are. You have no chance.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Don't put labels on here, Brad. You can click that. So Gabe's been doing a podcast run also.

[Steiny]

Gabe's on pods. Damn.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Let us know what you think of this.

[Brad]

No, this one's pretty big too.

[Kyle Forgeard]

So I'm about to show you my eggplant and I want you to rate it 1 out of 10. Do you think? Let's see.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm going to go back.

[Steiny]

Why does Kid send you that?

[Brad]

Wait.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh, he's for real. Showing me. This is yours. Are you sure he was yours?

[Kyle Forgeard]

Yeah, joking.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's pretty good.

[Kyle Forgeard]

What do you rate it? 1 out of 10.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Solid 8.

[Brad]

8?

[Kyle Forgeard]

Well, it make it a 10.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Made a little bit more girth maybe. Interesting, but it's good. What the.

[Steiny]

Wait, what.

[Kyle Forgeard]

What podcast is that not the most insane clip you've ever seen?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Zof creators.

[Steiny]

He said a little more girth would make it a 10.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He does. Oh, f. So we're talking about.

[Steiny]

Oh, okay.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay.

[Brad]

This is a.

[Steiny]

It wasn't just a random dude who was like, here's my dick.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He's of creator.

[Steiny]

Holy dude.

[Kyle Forgeard]

How was the night? What'd you guys do?

[Brad]

I went to. What's it called? Two strip clubs.

[Steiny]

You came to one dude and we went right out. That was like not it. We went in and right out.

[Brad]

Got scammed.

[Steiny]

You got. You paid money there.

[Kyle Forgeard]

You fall in love with the stripper.

[Brad]

No. Wait, where'd you go to strip club after Funny Marco. Scrub. This is not the guy in Atlanta. I love you, but dude, the guy gassed up that place so hard.

[Steiny]

The blue flag. I didn't even know what the it was until we got there.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Atlanta is a different type of scene.

[Steiny]

It's nuts.

[Brad]

I had a good time though. With Sugar. Had a good time.

[Steiny]

Wait.

[Brad]

Fun.

[Steiny]

Where'd you go?

[Kyle Forgeard]

How was after? How was Ace?

[Brad]

He was actually fun. Yeah, it was cool.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Celine was supposed to be on this pod too.

[Steiny]

No sleeping.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I don't think he has a pulse right now.

[Brad]

Yeah, no, no, that guy's. Because Dead Jimmy. Is Jimmy in here? Dead. Two casualties last night.

[Steiny]

Saleem is for sure.

[Brad]

Oh, he's done.

[Steiny]

Wait, so wait, where did you go the second time? Because I wasn't. I was sleeping at this point.

[Brad]

Candyland. With Ben. The strip club? Yeah.

[Steiny]

What. What was different than the first one?

[Brad]

Well, let's just say, like, I'm very.

[Steiny]

You're going to try to flex. You're like the guy in Atlanta.

[Brad]

No, I'm very accepted and obviously very beloved by the black community, so they all want me to come. I was the only white boy, I swear to God, at this entire place.

[Steiny]

But wasn't Sugar there?

[Brad]

No, he didn't make it that late.

[Steiny]

Oh, okay.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Does Magic City live up to the hype or.

[Brad]

No, I didn't go to Magic. We didn't go there. I wanted to go there, bro, but we didn't go there.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I'm pissed we missed UFC last night.

[Steiny]

Oh, my God.

[Kyle Forgeard]

We should have been at that fight.

[Brad]

I know.

[Steiny]

It's funny, cuz Steve, me and Steve, we're going to go like randomly, just from here. We're just going to fly up there. And I was like, nah, it's like a lot of flying.

[Brad]

Trump Elon and who else sat together? Trump.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Trump Elon. Tulsi Vivic, rfk. It was the whole cabinet everywhere.

[Brad]

Yeah. It's so sick.

[Steiny]

That's the one. Like, I saw. I was like, ah, flop.

[Kyle Forgeard]

That crazy.

[Steiny]

You think? And I asked you that.

[Kyle Forgeard]

We were talking last night. Yeah.

[Steiny]

Is he going to go. He's still going to go to UFC fights even when he's president.

[Kyle Forgeard]

You don't think he gets. Why wouldn't he?

[Brad]

Security purposes, maybe.

[Steiny]

That's what I was thinking.

[Kyle Forgeard]

There's already security purposes now.

[Brad]

Yeah. But I mean, I don't know.

[Kyle Forgeard]

No, I think he just. I mean, he could do whatever the fuck he wants now.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I don't think he's worried about his image as much now, now that he's elected. Now they're just going to, like, they're going to just roll and they're going to do whatever the fuck they want.

[Steiny]

But did you see Jon Jones?

[Kyle Forgeard]

I know Jon Jones praised him.

[Steiny]

Massive. Yeah. Huge. Did the dance and everything.

[Kyle Forgeard]

It's a complete. We were talking about this last night, but yeah, like, it's like a complete. Just flip. Yeah.

[Steiny]

From where it was when we first did the pod and you guys first hit the pod and the support there was like, oh, be careful.

[Kyle Forgeard]

For me, it was like the way the election panned out too, like how it's such a landslide. It's just good to know, like, because you're kind of thinking like you ask yourself sometimes, like, am I crazy? Or like we're all kind of asking ourselves, are we crazy with everything that the left was saying. And yeah, so it's good to, like, confirm. Like, that was like a reflection of where society's at.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I feel like everyone just like, we're done with the.

[Steiny]

Yeah, everyone got to the point and they were like, yo. And also the key was, like, people were just trying to fucking pay their bills and trying to do, like, basic shit. And then you have this other, like, distraction, but really just like, other talking points that they're like, oh, this is important. Everyone's like, all right, that's all cool. But, like, we just want basic. Our basic needs met. And then everyone just aligned with that. And I think that's why it was a massive shift.

[Kyle Forgeard]

It's going to be interesting to see how the. The liberals have to switch up their agenda now, too, because they're not. I think now they want to fucking win. They want to be in power.

[Brad]

They're like a rebuild.

[Steiny]

They have to rebuild.

[Kyle Forgeard]

They got.

[Brad]

They got to drop redraft people.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Like, they're going to have to come out and say, like, yo, we don't agree with men and women's sports and shit like that. Like, they're going to have to drop the super, super, super woke.

[Steiny]

I was talking about this yesterday. Like, that's 100% going to have to happen. They're going to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They.

[Steiny]

They're going to have to go a little bit closer to the middle because they get way.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I know we can talk to Stephen A. About it, too, because he's on the left, but he's like a logical left person.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Is he left?

[Kyle Forgeard]

He's l. He didn't vote for Trump.

[Steiny]

Really? I feel like every time I've seen a clip of him, he's like, fully right.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I think he's like an old school liberal. Like, maybe a Liberal in, like, 2001.

[Steiny]

Or something, ironically, which, like, would have been Joe Rogan and Elon Musk and all these people that have now switched. It's just weird. Yeah, they just got. It just got way too far to the point of, like, we're going to talk about all these other things and, like, virtue. No, in what sense?

[Brad]

Like, you're a little woke.

[Steiny]

Like, I'm awake and more weight than you, like, currently.

[Brad]

Yeah, yeah.

[Steiny]

You just Woke up, like, 10 minutes ago. I'm woke up two hours ago.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Cool.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah.

[Steiny]

No, I mean, it just seems like there's definitely going to have to be a massive shift because if. Because if Trump does a lot of things he said he's going to do also, like, if he completes those things, it's going to be really hard.

[Brad]

We kind of just disregarded but we kind of disregarded the whole Gabe clip.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Gabe clip was insane.

[Brad]

So do you want. He wanted to rate your cognitive.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Brad]

You're gonna show him a photo.

[Steiny]

No, dude, you're giving me a 15 out of 10. I can't show you a photo.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I don't have a.

[Brad]

You just want to show it because.

[Steiny]

I don't have a photo.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Lay it off for the clip. Brett show anything in the.

[Steiny]

No, I don't have a photo.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay.

[Brad]

Anyways, show them your micro Hollywood buddy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Just show the phone like this.

[Kyle Forgeard]

And I like.

[Steiny]

Okay, it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Whatever.

[Steiny]

You're just gonna.

[Brad]

You're gonna show him a picture of your dick?

[Steiny]

No.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Just say yes, dumbass.

[Brad]

Look at how he talks to people, bro. Be respectful, bro. Brad is way more important around here.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Not talking about him.

[Steiny]

Not because I don't want him to.

[Brad]

Show me you're low key bottom of the totem pole in this room.

[Steiny]

Now he gonna throw me on some.

[Brad]

Even Brett's got more respect these days. No, no, I don't mean it like that.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Just a joke, bro.

[Steiny]

Nah, but I don't want the. The joke could be misconstrued. You could say some dude. I got my two.

[Brad]

I have teenagers on the flight right now out here.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I got a inside source here trying to hit up the ring girl from the Tyson fight right now.

[Brad]

Yeah, which one?

[Kyle Forgeard]

I just.

[Brad]

Someone just told me the blonde one. Personality protecting with the person. What does that even mean?

[Steiny]

Big personality.

[Brad]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. So I'm watching the fight with this guy and he's like banged her.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Brad]

We were saying that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Steiny]

Don't say that.

[Brad]

Five ring girls.

[Steiny]

Don't say that. Don't say that.

[Brad]

What happened?

[Steiny]

Why are you say that?

[Brad]

I'm not.

[Steiny]

Why would you say.

[Brad]

Yeah, you want me to say that, bro? No, it's a huge like, duh, it's a joke. And now you're actually like, no, don' I didn't say.

[Steiny]

Yeah, it's a joke.

[Brad]

All right, all right. I want to talk to Stephen A. About. We got to talk sports too though.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Yeah, we don't got to talk politics, boys. Happy holidays. This podcast is sponsored by Shopify. The new year is right around the corner and do you have a new business idea you want to start? Shopify is the only tool you need to start, run and grow your in person or e commerce business without the struggle. Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of Your business from the launch your online shop stage to to the first real life store stage all the way to the did we just hit a million order stage. Shopify is there to help you grow. So whether you're offering custom printed coffee mugs from Shopify's in person POS system, you are in good hands. By now it's clear you boys know that I love Shopify. We've literally used Shopify's ecommerce platform from the very beginning to offer full send gear and now happy dad gear and bored jerky gear on our websites. My favorite thing about Shopify is no matter how big you want to grow, it gives you everything you need to take control and take your business to the next level. Shopify powers 10% of all E commerce in the US and Shopify is truly a global force, powering millions of entrepreneurs of every size across over 170 countries. Plus, Shopify's award winning help is there to support your success every step of the way. This is a possibility. Powered by Shopify Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com fullsend all lowercase. So go to shopify.com fullsend to take your business to the next level today. Merry Christmas, boys. This episode is brought to you by Google Gemini. With the Gemini app, you can talk live and have a real time conversation with an AI assistant.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's great for all kinds of things, like if you want to practice for.

[Kyle Forgeard]

An upcoming interview, ask for advice on things to do in a new city, or brainstorm creative ideas. And by the way, this script was actually read by Gemini. Download the Gemini app for iOS and Android today. Must be 18 + to use Gemini.

[Brad]

Live that politics are over.

[Steiny]

Nah, I wish I could never.

[Brad]

Kyle won the election, man.

[Kyle Forgeard]

It's never over.

[Brad]

Give Kyle his flowers. He won the election without you, man. Guys, on Fox News every day.

[Steiny]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. What the.

[Brad]

I'm like Loki.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Not even.

[Brad]

I don't even know he's on there. I'm. I'm watching Fox News and Calforgard. I swear to God, I didn't even know he was gonna be on there. And he's.

[Steiny]

Yeah, it was pretty funny. This is good.

[Brad]

How do you feel about all the people that say, yo, this guy's Canadian?

[Steiny]

Yeah. Oh, that's one of the biggest things.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I think it's kind of stupid because the US Affects the whole world. Like, yeah, Affects Canada. Like, the U.S. is the leader of the free world.

[Brad]

I'll tell you why I actually think that that's so stupid. Is because it's kind of the American dream. And you came here and you created a company, and you created a lot of jobs.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Well, I've lived here for, like, 10 years. I pay taxes here.

[Brad]

I love seeing the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yo.

[Kyle Forgeard]

This guy came between Nelk and Happy dad. We have over 120 employees.

[Steiny]

Yeah, it's funny.

[Brad]

People should be giving you fucking.

[Kyle Forgeard]

For me, the most important thing with Trump, too, is the way that he's going to handle foreign policy. Like, and that affects the whole fucking world.

[Brad]

Yeah, for sure.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Like, if the US Is going to work, Canada is going to war, NATO is going to. Like, we're all going to war.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

So it's.

[Steiny]

Canada needs some help, man.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I know.

[Brad]

We.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I did some foreign interference pretty much, right, essentially.

[Steiny]

Damn, dude. No, I see that a lot, though. People say that a lot to you.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I mean, it makes sense.

[Steiny]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I mean, if they want to let me help out in Canada, I'd be glad to do that, too, because, Trudeau, we got to get out next.

[Steiny]

Yeah, dude, that guy, he's probably shaking.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I'm shaking right now.

[Steiny]

That likes that guy.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Nobody likes him.

[Brad]

Well, I saw he's been showing Trump a lot of love now. I think he's going to.

[Kyle Forgeard]

He's got a. Yeah, he's got to bow down now, right?

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

All right, boys, today's sponsor is Kraken, the number one crypto exchange ranked by Forbes. You don't need to be a crypto genius to use Kraken. It's user friendly, super simple to use. I can even handle it after a couple happy dads. Bitcoin, as you guys know, is absolutely ripping right now, and everybody's asking how to buy it. The answer is simple. Use Kraken. Head over to Kraken.com right now to sign up and make an account. And we told Kraken if they want to sponsor the pod, they got to hook you boys up. So for the next three weeks on the podcast, we're giving $10,000 in crypto away every single episode. So that's $1,000 to 10 different people. Here's how you enter sign [e-mail], make an account, and then right now, comment your public account ID in the comments. We're going to be choosing 10 different, different people in the comments every single episode to win $1,000 each for the next three weeks. So go to kraken.com, sign up, get your public account ID, and then drop it in the comments. Right now, we're going to be looking through the comments and we're going to choose 10 different people to win $1,000 each for the next three weeks. Let's go, boys.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Good luck. Sorry. How you doing? Let's get it going. I'm missing the damn Steelers game. I said, what are you doing this now?

[Brad]

What do you have? Wait, who do you have, sir?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Me know. I'm a Fields fan.

[Brad]

Who do you think's the better quarterback? Justin Fields or Russell Wilson?

[Steiny]

Watch.

[Stephen A. Smith]

First take, brother. You ain't gonna do that. We ain't gonna do that today. You know, I say this five days a week. I'd let y'all know where I stand. You don't need to reiterate that.

[Kyle Forgeard]

What you think about the Tyson fight? I know I came on your show. Stephen A's pod. That's on YouTube, right? How often you do that?

[Stephen A. Smith]

My pod?

[Kyle Forgeard]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Three days a week.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Three days a week?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

So I went on Stephen A show. We had a little. A little bet off. I think you went more Tyson and Jake.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yep.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I think it went. I think my picks hit right.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm not. I don't remember. I don't think.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Less and less. Less and less punches.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I think Jake got less.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You probably right. You know what it is, though? I think Jake. I think Jake did it on purpose. I think that he didn't want to do it. I think he knew that he could take Tyson out and he just felt bad for him, and he thought it would be bad for him. He thought it would be bad for all parties concerned for him to take Tyson. Now, Tyson walked into the ring stumbling.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Go back and watch the tape. When they introduced him, he's walking out and he's stumbling. And then after that, you look down and he had on the knee brace. And I said, oh, my Lord. And then in the first round is two minutes, not three minutes. And I saw Tyson tired, and I said, this is going to be bad. And I think that I really, really. I don't think. I'm not saying that he walked in there with that intent, but I think ultimately, being in the ring with a guy that's 31 years older than you, approaching 60 years of age, I think compassion kicked in, and he was like, I don't. I really. This is Mike Tyson. I really, really don't want to hurt this guy. I really believe that's what happened.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I guess Tyson saying it was a W, Right? He said he got in the ring, he fought someone that was half his age, and the guy couldn't knock him out or do anything.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, he's saying that. I, I don't think he's saying. That's why I think he's saying this. Why? Because he walked into the ring, he was able to stand around for eight rounds, and on top of all, he got 20 million. I think that's what the win was for Mike Tyson. But I, I think that if Mike Tyson was truly being honest with himself at age 58, if, if, if Jake had really applied the pressure and was winging some throws, I think that, you know, I don't. I think it would have been a short night. I think it would have been bad. I really, really do. And you got to remember when you get up there and age, I mean, when you go down like that, there's a lot of collateral damage that could potentially come with that. And I think that somebody with Jake's power, size, and youth saw that, and I was like, I don't want to do this.

[Brad]

That was respect. Respectable.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes.

[Brad]

I think Jake handled that very well.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, I thought he did. I'm not knocking him at all for. Again, I'm not accusing him of walking into the ring with that intent, but it's one thing to have intent, talk junk, get slapped at the press conference. All of this stuff that contributes to promotional things. It's another thing entirely. When you step in the ring and then all of a sudden somebody that you've revered and you've admired a long time, and for those out there who will sit up there and look at me and say, it's far fetched, I would ask y'all to go back to when Larry Holmes fought Muhammad Ali. And Larry Holmes was like, you know, I love this man, I revere this man. And, and I'm beating him to a pulpit. Y'all gotta stop this. You know, he didn't want to hurt Muhammad Ali. He made him ultimately sit on his stool and not come out later on in a fight. But he was. But, you know, that happens when you've been great and you've established yourself and who you are, and then you're just old and depleted and attrition is kicked in and stuff like that. You know, you do find yourself in situations at times where people may have compassion for you. I've seen it in boxing before. I thought I saw it Friday night.

[Steiny]

So you didn't think that they anticipated it going that way at all?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think that Jake walked in thinking that Mike Tyson was gonna try to come at him and he was just gonna catch him and knock him out. I think when you saw him walk into the ring, and you saw how old he looked, and then you saw the knee brace on, and you just saw the way he was moving. If you watch Mike Tyson, I mean, think about all the Mike Tyson fights we've seen. Think about the movement, the head movement, you know, the foot movement, et cetera. And then to see that and to know that he's 31 years older than you, literally approaching 60 years of age, I think to see it in front of his face at that moment, it hit him.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And he was like.

[Kyle Forgeard]

The first minute of the fight, I was like, oh, Tyson might have this. And after that, it was over.

[Stephen A. Smith]

After that, he was exhausted.

[Brad]

Sorry, I don't watch that much tv. I'm sure you covered this, but don't you think it's a little crazy because we were watching the fight and there's a party that thinks Tyson can win this. Like.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I. I didn't think he could. I didn't think he could win. I remember they were interviewing me before the fight, and I said, if Jake Paul, if you really, really want, all you really got to do is run for a couple of rounds.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And he won't have the stamina. I said, you know, you gotta remember 20. And people forgot this. Nearly 20 years ago, he gets dropped by Kevin McBride, professional boxer, but clearly wasn't a big name. He gets dropped. Tyson was not hurt. Tyson was tired. He literally extended his arm for the. For the referee to help him up. That was his instinctual reaction, to help him up because he was out of shape. That was 20 years ago. So if you're out of shape 20 years ago, even in shape 20 years later, how much shape are you in if you haven't been fighting? The only time he's been in the ring was for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. Who, by the way, was a bit bloated at that particular moment in time, obviously having retired from the sport himself. But he was also a natural light heavyweight, you know, or really a super middleweight that went to light heavyweight. Roy Jones was no heavyweight. So you. You're in the ring with somebody like that. That. That was Mike Tyson. Now you're going into the ring against a cat that's 228. He's a young lion. And no matter what questions may exist about Jake Paul and his ability to box real boxers, because we haven't really, really seen that yet from him. We don't. We don't question his power. We know he's got power.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You know, so I. I just looked at it from that standpoint. And a lot of times just, just imagine seeing yourself going up against somebody old or whatever. We've seen it with people in the streets. We've seen it everywhere. You suddenly in front of somebody, you're like this, this person's old. Right. This, this is not. This ain't even right. I'm not going to do this.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And I really thought that's what I saw Friday night from Jake Paul. Yeah.

[Brad]

Wait, were you sure Getting shots up with a lethal shooter the other day.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes.

[Brad]

You look, your stroke looks pretty good.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I can shoot.

[Brad]

Maybe you should do like a one on one, like big exhibition game.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No.

[Brad]

With who against like a Lavar ball maybe.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah. I mean, listen, listen, here's the deal. I have fun and I, I've been a journalist and a commentator my entire career, but I know my position and I. When I'm judging professional athletes, professional anything, it's against their peers, their contemporaries. It's never me thinking, oh, I could do it, hell no. I know better than that. And so I don't give a damn who it is. You in the NBA, you know what, you're one of the elite professional athletes on the planet earth. And even if there was somebody that I could shoot better than or whatever, I would never disrespect them by really, really saying so. Because they're in a place that I was never good enough to get to. I couldn't even shine issues.

[Brad]

Right. I'm going to give you a hot take that I feel right now. I think Wemby is going to be, has the shot to be the best player of all time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not going to dismiss that. He's the brother seven five. He hit 23s over a three game stretch. He's got a handle, he can block shots, he can defend straight up, he's got good foot movement, got a nice shot, he's got all around skills and he's 7ft 5. I just, when, when people talk about him, my only problem is when we, we, we get a bit ridiculous. Oh my God, look at him dunk. He's 7 5, right? You know what I'm saying? He could dunk without jumping. So my attitude is, let's say what.

[Brad]

When he's shooting threes, like when he's.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Shooting threes, that's a different animal. When he's shooting threes, when he's displaying his ball handling skills, that's a different animal. And that's why I say, I don't disagree with you. He's got to get a bit bigger and what have you. But I mean, look at Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players to have ever played. Part of it has to do with the fact that his skill set comes with a 611 frame because he's a legit 6 10, 611 with a 76 wingspan. With that kind of ball handling and shot making skills, what can you say? You can't deny it. If anything, he's underachieved because he's only got two titles because that's how great of a talent he is. Yeah.

[Brad]

Wow.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Think about it. Yeah. When you could, you could. Kevin Durant can average 30 in his sleep. Kevin Durant is money. 85 to 90 from the free throw line. He's good for 38 to 41, shooting, three point percentage. Right. He's got all the requisite skills. He's one of the greatest players to have ever played the game 100 so. So you look at him and, and I would tell you that the two titles, it should have been more.

[Brad]

He should have had three or four years.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It should have been more.

[Brad]

Yeah. This is something I just want to ask you. Jokic, right?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Jokic, yeah.

[Brad]

Three time mvp.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yep.

[Brad]

No one ever talks about him as like a top five player of all time. How do you feel like when I.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's a good question. I tell you why I think that's the play. That's the case. He's a phenomenal basketball player, but primarily due to his iq because he really, really, really knows how to play. But he can't jump onto a curb. And when we look at basketball players, the first word that comes to our mouth is athleticism. We're looking at a guy and we say, wow, you know, look at these athletes, man, these can jump out the gym. They got these. It's nice to watch this brother Jokic, I mean, just a big tub of law just shoving people around. You know, no six pack, they stealth built or anything like that. He just, he's just big and strong, you know, waddle. You don't even walk. He waddles and stuff. You just look at him and you can't stop him. There's nothing you can do. I mean, he shoots the ball from up here. You like looking at him like, damn. What this. This dude is unbelievable. Shot goes in. How many times. Go back and watch the Denver Nuggets when they had playoffs against the Lakers. And how many times Anthony Davis, because he's all over him, right? And he's contesting the shot, blocking his Visions got his hand up, got his. And somehow, some way, this brother just, he finds a way. So he's great in that regard. But when you look at some, like you look at an Embiid, Embiid's resume doesn't compare to his. Can't even get to the conference finals. But as a talent, when Embiid is healthy, the skills are pure. You see it. I mean, he can jump, he can block shots. He is a scoring machine. Inside, outside, back to the basket, face of the basket. He's got the whole package. He just can't stay healthy. But you look at other guys and when you think about the NBA, you think athleticism and Jokic is an athlete. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not throwing any shade on them. I'm just talking about when you think about God, look at how we marvel over Anthony Edwards. Look at how we used to with Vince Carter and Kobe and Jordan and how we still do LeBron and stuff like that. It's because they had an athletic, a level of athleticism that you just marveled at. That's not Jokic. Right. It's not him. He just knows how to play, knows how to use his strength, his body and abuse you.

[Brad]

He might have, like, probably the highest.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Basketball queue, maybe, maybe I don't know about ever. I mean, there's greats like Magic Johnson, John Stockton's, Isaiah Thompson's the World, various others. Michael Jordan had a high basketball iq. I don't know if we could say anybody had a higher basketball IQ than LeBron, but Jokic is definitely up there.

[Brad]

Yes.

[Steiny]

How many more years you think LeBron is.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He said recently, I think LeBron will tie next year. Yeah, I think he'll retire at this season and then next season, and then I think he'll call it a career. That's just, I'm guessing.

[Brad]

Why do you think that's.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't think the Lakers are going to win. I think their best chance to win is now. And I think that, you know, that bucket list moment with playing with his son is what he stuck around for. You could talk about him trying to play with his other son, Bryce, but that would be about three years from now. I don't think that LeBron. LeBron's the top five, top six player in the league still right now, without question. But I still, I think it's a lot to ask to expect him to want to play after next season, which would be like year 23. I, I think that, you know, I, I think that'll be It.

[Kyle Forgeard]

All right, boys, we're headed to Australia right now. I always bring Manscape with me when I travel. Fresh package for the trip. I love this razor. Best razor in the game. I use it on my pubes and my face. Don't know if you're supposed to do that, but I do it anyway. Said it before, it's like a Tesla. Tesla razor, like Elon Musk made. It is the best razor in the game. Comes with all the different attachments and stuff for the different lengths. I always travel with this. If you guys want to stay fresh from head to toe, manscape.com has everything you guys need. It's got the razors, it's got the creams, it's got the butters, the lotion. Everything on that site, man. Go check it out. Christmas is coming up. Black Friday's coming up. So Manscape also makes a great gift for people. We got you guys on a great deal. Code Nelk is gonna get you 20% off the entire website, plus free shipping, which is an insane deal. I love free shipping. So go to manscape.com. what I love about it, too, you don't got to bounce around to a bunch of different sites. Manscape has everything you need. It's a one stop shop. So go to manscape.com. use code NELK. 20% off plus free shipping. Sweet deal. Amazing deal, sir. You ever tried Manscape?

[Stephen A. Smith]

No. No, no, no, no.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Check out this razor.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Ah, bueno.

[Kyle Forgeard]

You want this one? Manscape.

[Steiny]

Free.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Free.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I give to you for what? For free.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Merry Christmas.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Merry Christmas. Shave your sock.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah.

[Kyle Forgeard]

No, shave your sack, too.

[Brad]

Okay, good.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Merry Christmas. Yeah.

[Brad]

So what do you think happens for his kid once he's out? Like, do you think they're kind of doing this as a favor?

[Stephen A. Smith]

But it's not. First of all, there's no question. Yeah, let's cut the BS. There's no question. It was a favor. Bronny James did not do what it took to earn a spot on an NBA roster. That's the bottom line.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Not even to get drafted?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, you could question getting drafted, because sometimes they do draft off of potential. And there's plenty of people that get drafted in the second round that we know. We don't know what their potential is. But to play, you're saying to play opening night, to be on an NBA roster, you know, and then. Listen, this is what I've said about Bronny James. He's a wonderful kid. They got a wonderful family. Their first family, the NBA. I don't think anybody can deny that. With Savannah and LeBron and their kids and the job that he's done. Incredible role model and his son is a shining example of that because he's a very lovable kid. Talk to his teammates, high school, college at USC and the pros. He's a real lovable guy in the eyes of everybody that you know that you talk to about him. But the reality is is that now that this has happened, you get to hearken back to the resume. You were a McDonald's All American. You averaged 14 points a game. Most McDonald All American players, they have better numbers than that. And then you go to UFC after you had the heart ailment and what have you, and then you go to UFC and you don't do but so much and that's fine cause his health was an issue. And then you get drafted 55 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and you're playing on opening night and you're inserted into the lineup in the second quarter so you and LeBron can enter together. First time in NBA history has done that. Ken Griffey Jr. Ken Griffey Sr. In attendance for the game. All of that was special. At some point you as Bronny this.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Episode is brought to you by Dutch Bros. Get stoked for all the holly jolly vibes this season at Dutch Bros. Stay cozy with returning winter faves. Hazelnut truffle mocha and Candy cane mocha. Plus the new Winter Shimmer Rebel energy drink blends up sweet cream and blue razz flavor with soft top and shimmer sprinks to keep those spirits energized all winter long.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Download the Dutch Bros. App to find your nearest shop.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Order ahead and start earning rewards.

[Brad]

Hey, it's Austin James. Yes, I'm living with diabetes, but it doesn't have to define me. Thanks to the freestyle Libre 3 sensor, I get real time glucose readings throughout the day. The Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is small and easy to wear, giving me the freedom to focus on my life as a parent and a musician. Now this is progress. You can get a free sensor at FreeStyleibre US offer available for people who qualify.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Visit MyFreestyle US to see all terms and conditions.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Certain exclusions apply. Data on file Abbott Diabetes Care or.

[Brad]

Prescription only Safety info found at Freestyle Libre us.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You need to say I don't want this anymore. This was nice Dad. I appreciate you. I love you to death, man. It was great that you did this. I'm happy that I could have been a part of it. But now I got to go earn my stripes. I got to be in that G League. I got to show that I'm worthy of being here, because you can't always be here to protect and cover me, et cetera, et cetera. I'm not saying he hasn't done that. I'm saying that's what needs. That's what needs to happen. If it has.

[Kyle Forgeard]

It kind of sucks for Bronny, too, because it's like his debut could have been in a year or two, and maybe it would be, like, a crazy debut.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Maybe.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I feel like it's kind of selfish.

[Brad]

Of LeBron develop in the G League.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Well, that's what I'm saying. But his first debut could have been.

[Brad]

Like, if he had more time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I'm not hard on LeBron about that at all. LeBron has been such a treasure for the league. He's earned the right to have what he wants. And. And if he wanted that moment, that's fine. My point is, is that it's on, Bronnie. There's nothing. Nobody would have said anything about that moment as long as it doesn't continue. But when you end up staying on an NBA roster and taking up an NBA roster spot when others, you know, when. When so many people would say there are so many more, who's more deserving? It is incumbent upon you at that particular moment in time to say, I'm not comfortable with this. I want to do this on my own.

[Brad]

Would you agree that the NBA kind of owed this to LeBron?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I just said that. I totally agree. I totally agree.

[Brad]

I think because he gets a lot of shade for. Everyone wants to talk about the nepotism, but, like, who cares?

[Stephen A. Smith]

There's nepotism all over sports, professional sports, especially in the NBA. You know, with coaches and GMs hiring their children, hiring their siblings, that shit happens all the time. I ain't buying that. LeBron has every right to do it. Everybody else does it.

[Brad]

You want to know the best time ever that I can think about is when Doc Rivers got Austin Rivers that crazy contract.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, you could say that. But here's the deal. Austin Rivers was at Duke. Austin Rivers balled at Duke.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And when he came into the NBA, he was known as a cat that could play defense. And obviously, when he came in the NBA, he showed he could play defense. Austin Rivers was worthy of being on an NBA roster. No one questioned that. No one questioned that. Now, the person that people will point to is Thanassis, Milwaukee, Giannis's brother. Here's the caveat with that. Giannis is from Greece. You want Somebody around you that you can relate to because he's not trusting and not open. If you don't believe me, go watch his documentary. You know, Giannis just watched. I think. I think it was Netflix that did it. It was a great, great documentary on him and his life or whatever. Yo, man, his brother don't, you know, he don't just talk to anybody. He doesn't just vibe with anybody. And so when you've got a guy of his caliber on your squad, having his brother there with him, to travel with them, to talk with them, to mingle with him, et cetera, et cetera, it means everything. Because his spirit is in the right place. And a Milwauke Bucks benefit from that. That's an entirely different scenario than LeBron James, who's been in the league for two decades, won four championships, four time league MVP, been to 10 NBA Finals, and then you know what? Your son is on the team and everybody and their mother knows. The only reason that is the case is because you are there and you're his dad and that's what you wanted because you told the world that was what you wanted.

[Brad]

Everyone talks about how Theonis is like a great teammate too, and everyone loves him. So you said LeBron probably going to retire. Who do you think becomes kind of the face of the NBA?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Anthony Edwards. Yeah, I think Minnesota's got to be better. The move, letting go of Carl Anthony Towns, bringing in Julius Randall, Dante G. Vincenzo to go along with Gobert and Anthony Edwards and Nas Reed and all of those brothers, that's gotta improve and reach fruition. But I would tell you that Anthony Edwards, his game, his flair, his personality, all of those things make you think. When I say Jordan, when I say Kobe, when I say people like that, I'm not just talking about his game and what it mirrors at his age compared to what they were at their age. I'm talking about his personality. A matter of fact, one could easily argue he had a much better person. He has a much personality than either MJ or Kobe did at his age. Go watch the Was it Uncut gems or was it Hustle? It was one or the other. The movie that he was in, the movie that he was in with Adam Sandler, it was one or the other. He was. He was phenomenal.

[Brad]

Watcho, Hernan Gomez was.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's right. Yeah, that's right. That was the player that they was featuring. Right. And so you see Anthony Edwards in that movie, his acting was superb. It really, really was.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And he showed you the kind of personality that he can have. And I think all those things lend itself towards him ultimately being the face of the league.

[Brad]

Yeah, you're pretty spot on. He kind of has that like Kobe Jordan attitude.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's right.

[Brad]

That you don't see. That's like an old school vibe.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right.

[Brad]

And no players have that these days.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No question.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Where do you think Shedeur goes next year?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't know. It depends on who has the pick. You know, I think if it's Dallas, it would be. If Dallas had the number one pick, I think he'd go there. If somebody else had the number one pick, I don't know, they might go with Milroe, they might go with somebody else. But I definitely think he warrants consideration. No question about it. And I think that, you know, I've been on the record. I think that Mike McCarthy should go. I think that Jerry Jones should go out and hire primetime Deion Sanders as his head coach and draft his son.

[Steiny]

That's what he's saying.

[Brad]

You really think that's the. That's the number one possibility?

[Stephen A. Smith]

It, it all, it all depends on Dallas and how much they stink. I mean, if they don't position themselves to get the number one overall pick or a top two pick where they could do something like that, that's different. But if you have an opportunity to make that happen, I think they should. I think they should.

[Kyle Forgeard]

That'd be without question.

[Brad]

That'd be the coolest thing ever. I think so, yeah. What about his teammate, Travis Hunter? You think he's one?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think he's my vote for the Heisman. Yeah, he's my vote for the Heisman. Plays every down. Yeah.

[Brad]

How about. How crazy is that?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Plays every down. And not only that, that's what Dion tried to do. When Dion played. Dion was playing offense, defense, and special teams. We went to the Dallas Cowboys. He was a wide receiver as well at times. You know, caught a big time pass in the super bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The super bowl that they won. Okay. So, I mean, I just look at that and I just say, yo, this is the kind of player that he has. Travis Hunter is. Is a special talent. No question about it. And by the way, a straight a student, 4.0.

[Brad]

Yeah, he's. He's on another level.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah.

[Brad]

And he, he crushes content too. I don't know if you've seen him. He streams too.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't know. Everything I don't have, man, please. With all the damn jobs I have, I miss. I miss so much, man. Like my team doesn't Tell me what the hell is going on. I have no damn clue. Half the time. I really, really don't. Yeah, yeah.

[Steiny]

Why do you think personality is so important to be like, obviously to be the face, because it's like the translation to the. The audience. But why do you think personality to be considered like the goat of something is so important?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Business. Listen, your skill set and your accomplishments, that's very, very important. Nothing matters if you don't have that. And I get that part. But we try to veer way from what sells or the importance of selling. And I just think it's stupid to do because if the people that cut the checks are thinking about that, what makes you think you get to ignore it when you the one cashing it? It's just not smart. And I think that you can use the election that just took place as a prime example. Well, you had Kamala Harris and she was playing the Beyonce song with Kendrick Lamar, freedom and all of that. And you was talking about women's rights and Roe v. Wade being overturned. And it's about our freedom, freedom of choice, women's rights, et cetera, et cetera. And she got bum rushed during the election. Why? Because people said, I'm concerned about my wallet.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And I'm concerned about our borders, period. Those were the primary two things. And then, you know, and when they, when you hear people complaining about cancel culture or woke culture and all of this other stuff, that's just a roundabout way of getting to the core of the problem. The core of the problem is that that's given folks a license to get rid of us for any excuse under the sun. You know, teachers get suspended because of the wrong pronoun or something like that. And, you know, people ain't trying to hear that that all comes. But no matter what you point to, it all comes back to money. If you're thinking about the blood, the borders being flooded and over 12 million immigrants coming across the border illegally, what are people thinking about that before? Because you're thinking about the fact that all of these folks are coming over here, and if they're here illegally, then it's the taxpayer dollars that's paying for such and such. So again, that comes back to money. And then when you're talk about inflation and you know, the cost of goods, when you go to the supermarket, the price of gas or whatever, that comes back to money. We, we, you know, it's people that try to make it unpopular to point out the fact that in the end everything's. Everything comes down to dollars. But that's the world we're living in. When you think about Ukraine and Russia, what do you think that's about? You know, now, I mean, you may not be able to say that with the Israeli Palestinian conflict, because that's been going on for decades. We understand that, but why the involvement of other nations? Because of money. You know, so at some point, it always comes back to money. When you. When the dust settles and you just scrape it off, it always comes back to dollars and cents. And then so, because I'm like, if that's the reality, let's stop running from it. And if it applies to anything, it damn sure applies to the world of sports. It really, really does. And when you. When you show up and you show the ability to make other people money, suddenly they love you. And when you don't make them money, suddenly they don't like you very much. It's really that simple. And we just have to accept it.

[Kyle Forgeard]

What do you think the left's gonna have to do? We've been talking about this. What do you think the left's gonna have to do to kind of rebuild and change things up with their messaging?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Need to grow up four years. They need to grow up and get with the program and understand that. That. That as times and things may have changed, things remain the same. James Carville, a Democratic strategist, you know, it's the economy, stupid. He was famous for that quote. You know, when you think about the economy, when you think about borders, when you think about security and safety in the streets of America, that's what people care about. The Democrats tried to get us to care about other stuff. And it's not to say that folks don't care about those things, but they don't care about those things more than they care about money and safety. It's never going to change. And so what happens is that they've been a bit transparent. One could easily argue I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. I don't like either side. I think both sides need a whole lot of work. But in the same breath, it utterly disgusted me when I watched how things transpired. I was gonna vote for Kamala Harris because with Trump, my attitude was, he's going to be on a revenge tour, and it's going to be the same kind of chaos that existed during his first term. And I didn't think the nation needed that. But I had no problem with anybody who felt otherwise, because I saw some of the things that the Democrats were doing. You are Republican, and you're being accused of being a threat to democracy because he's an aspiring authoritarian and he wants to do X, Y and Z. But then you're in office with your president, who promised to be a one term president, who promised to be a transitional president and just a stopgap to pave the way for a younger generation. Then the Dems win the midterms and you feeling yourself and you say, nah, I'm staying. I'm staying even though I'm going to be 82 if I win the election. And I got to give four years at the age of 82. You said that shit. And then after you did that, then you turned around and what do they do? They grease the skids for you. So there's no problem primary that you have to go through where you have to face any competition. Then when you show up June 27 for a debate where you look like hot garbage, they turned around and said, you gotta go. So you get booted out, pushed out. July 21, they elevate the vice president, which I understood, because obviously she's the vice president and what have you, and she should have been next in line, but she didn't have to go through a primary. Okay, so America is about dollars and cents, sure, but we also pride ourselves in a capitalistic society and being about competition. Well, when did they face competition? You didn't allow anybody to compete against them. You didn't allow leftists or Democratic voters to pick a choice between, you know, you and a Dean Phillips or Marianne Williamson or whomever else was interested, even a Bernie Sanders or somebody that may have come into play. You didn't give an opportunity for that level of competition to exist. So because you didn't do all of that, wait a minute. That's not our democratic society. Now you didn't violate any laws, you didn't do anything unconstitutional, but that didn't mean that you were on the up and up. It didn't mean that you avoided being slick and shrewd and maneuvering your way through it. And then you turned around and tried to guilt us and voted for you. Michelle Obama. A vote for him is a vote against us as women. So it can't be a vote for somebody's wallet. It can't be a vote for somebody's safety. It's got to be about you. It's gotta be about. It's a vote against women. Women. Oprah Winfrey goes out. Well, this might be the last opportunity a woman gets a chance to vote. What are you talking about? What are you talking about? Are you Are you. Are you telling me that women not gonna be able to vote, come to midterm election in two years, in four years, they're not gonna be able to vote for the presidency? What are you doing? And so you see stuff like that. And then we think about racism and we think about all these other things, you know, whether xenophobia, xenophobia, misogyny, all of these different things. And then you say, wait a minute, you kind of fueling that, too. You understand? I'm sitting with the three of y'all right now. Neither of y'all are black. I don't have a problem with you. So what? And guess what? I didn't vote for Trump. You voted for Trump. That's your business. You got that right. As an American system, I'm not tripping. It's based on what you think your needs are and what you believe is in the best interest of the country. And your vision may be different than mine. And as long as you can articulate that vision and you ain't scared to do it, and you ain't some damn supremacist or something that's hating people and wishing violence upon other people, I'm good with you.

[Steiny]

Why do you think America's lost that?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think because the politicians have ruined this country. I think that they have been caught up in sustaining whatever power that they've had, that they've used the American citizens as pawns 100% and have created stuff and friction where it's not there. So ultimately, it became that because you have these pundits on both sides of the aisle on the air spewing nothing but negativity towards one another, along with an unwillingness to compromise, forcing us, in this binary system that we live in, to pick a side. And as a result, that's what it is. Listen, I again, am on neither side, but I don't share the politics of a Sean Hannity. I don't share the politics of a Mark Levin. I couldn't have two biggest supporters. They've watched my back for years. I tell people all the time, you're gonna come to me and you gonna tell me, you know what? You don't like their politics or this or that, fine, you come to me with that other bullshit, you know, using the race word and all that question, you came to the wrong place. I know em both. I know em both. And they've always been there for me. You know, I don't agree with all of their politics, but they stand on what they stand on, and they have good damn Reasons why you wanna refute what they have to say. Go up against them, debate them. Throw your ideas against theirs, throw your ideology against this, throw your belief against this. Let's evaluate, let's see what's practical and what's not, et cetera, et cetera. And we go from there. And to me, that's the way that it should be in this country. I'm not one of those. You're not coming to me and telling me because somebody's white, they racist. You're not coming to me and telling me because somebody is. You know, it could be anything. You're against women and you're against Hispanics. No, we are your facts. I'm not getting caught up in all of that emotion because that's what both sides in their own way have utilized to manipulate a vote in their favor. And they've done it at the expense of the morale of the country. That's why I didn't vote for Trump, because I was scared he would continue to do that if it had been anybody else or the Republicans had my vote. Because I didn't like the fact that woke culture and cancel culture had got, had regressed to such a degree where you had to walk around scared to. If you were saying somebody's name right. In order to keep a damn job. I don't believe in that. Or somebody makes a mistake and they say, and you, you arguing with somebody and you might call them out your name. Oh, that was inappropriate. That was abrasive. You need to get suspended. You need to give. No, no. Everybody make mistakes. Everybody make mistakes. I'm on live television every day. I made mistakes before. I can assure you I'm going to make them again. Nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. But we can't be living in the society where, okay, let me take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of this guy or this girl because that's my come up.

[Steiny]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, earn your shit.

[Brad]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Go out there, work, put in the work, get on your grind, be better and earn your job that way. As opposed to your definition of success means putting somebody or bringing somebody down. No, I'm not doing.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Makes perfect sense.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, I'm not doing it.

[Steiny]

You're the man. Yeah, I love that.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I think you got to run too. We all got a busy day. You ready for the prize picks? World championships?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I hope so, man. I'll be there tonight. I mean, I know I don't know if I'm as ready as you are, but I'm, I'm looking forward to it all right.

[Kyle Forgeard]

I'll see you there. We appreciate you making time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Please, man. I have it. I wish I watch some football.

[Brad]

Yeah, right.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'll see y'all later.

[Kyle Forgeard]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right.

[Steiny]

That was awesome.