← Straight Shooter with Stephen A.
Straight Shooter with Stephen A.
Full Show: Jackie Robinson and DEI, Why? | A Black QB Robert Griffin III downplays racism | Bronny James Career Night
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Stephen A. Smith
At&t has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed, like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed in a world where Nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn more@att.com guarantee@&t connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguarantee for details on the podcast. Really know, really? Join best friends Jason Alexander and Peter Tilden along with experts, newsmakers and celebrities in a search for answers to life's most baffling, intriguing and annoying questions. You know those things that make you go really? No really? I think There was a 17 year old in Rhode island who ran a.
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Jason Alexander
Candidate that was a deep fake. Really?
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Stephen A. Smith
Wait, wait, that's news to me. That's really no really right there.
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Jason Alexander
Really?
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Stephen A. Smith
No, really listen to really no really on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Jason Alexander
What's up everybody? Stephen A. Smith here. Recently we made news because the great Bill O'Reilly announced a tour that's coming nearest you in the very, very near future. Get your tickets now for this. It's called Three Americans Live March 30th at Live Nation's Flagstar at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island. Don't miss the very first show as myself, Chris Cuomo and yes, that man Bill O'Reilly take our different ideas, our different backgrounds, our different beliefs across the country to demonstrate that respectful, meaningful and even fun conversation. Those are the things that make America as great as it should be. The show will be spirited, unscripted, and all three of us will let it fly. As we discuss the topics everyone is thinking about these days, there will also be questions from the audience. We're not running. Tickets are officially on sale now with Pre sale code USA@3AmericansLive.com VIP packages are available with the opportunity to meet and take photos with myself and both those fellas. That's three Americans live March 30th at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island. Additional dates and cities to be announced. Don't miss it. Trust me, you'll get a kick out of it. Whoa. Elon Musk at the Defense Department. More Jackie Robinson news to discuss with the Defense Department. Steph Curry gets hurt and Bronnie James showed up and showed out. What on earth is this world coming to? We're about to find out right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Holl at your boy. What's up everybody. Welcome to this latest edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. Coming at you as I love to do at the very least three times a week over the digital airwaves of YouTube and of course, iHeartRadio. As always, I'd like to take a moment to thank my subscribers and followers. Appreciate the love and support y'all been giving me. Keep it coming and I'm gonna keep on coming. Obviously, the millions of downloads courtesy of iHeartRadio, not to mention the one point now 1.15 million subscribers over the digital airwaves of YouTube. Again, we just keep on growing, y'all. It's because of y'all to continue to like and follow the show. Just click the bell to get notified for all of our newest content and you too shall be considered the latest member of the Stephen A. Smith show family. And while you're doing that, please make sure to to pick up a copy of my New York Times best selling book, Straight Shooter, a memoir of second chances and first takes now in paperback. Just go to straight shooter book.com to get yourself a copy. Once again, that's straight shooter book.com to get yourself a copy. Straight Shooter. This also happens to be the name of my production company, my media company, Straight Shooter. So please continue to show your support because it's doing wonders for me. That means I'm just going to keep on coming, trying to do wonders for everybody else. Got a lot of stuff to get into today, but I want to get started in the world of politics because with the recent news of Jackie Robinson and his legacy being temporarily scrubbed from the Department of Defense's website on Wednesday, you know, I went off about that, right? The move was part of President Donald Trump's efforts to purge references to diversity, equity and inclusion through a, quote, digital content refresh, end quote. Now, while Robinson's story doesn't make any reference to dei, his military legacy was among several stories that were scrubbed from federal websites in recent days. Other stories removed from the site include the Navajo Code Talkers and Ira Hayes, one of six Marines who raised the American flag at Iwo Jima. In response to the outcry, the Defense Department issued the following statement, quote, everyone at the Defense Department loves Jackie Robinson, as well as the Navajo Cold Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Marines at Iwo Jima, and so many others. We salute them for their strong and in many cases, heroic service to our country. Full stop. The updated statement said, quote, we do not view or highlight them through the prism of immutable characteristics such as race, ethnicity or sex. We do so only by recognizing their patriotism and dedication to the war fighting mission. Like every other American who has worn the uniform. End quote. Robinson's story was restored to the website later on that day with its original URL. ESPN reached out to find out if the removal of Robinson's story was deliberate or mistaken, but the Department of Defense declined to answer. So that's what led me to say this on first take yesterday. Take a look. There's a few things this president administration is not being honest about. And we have to call it like we see it. You know, there's this effort, this concerted effort to eradicate dei, as we all know. And one of the things is, you've seen me, Molly, talking about politics. This subject intertwines politics and sports. So if we want to go there, let's go there. You know, they want to eradicate DEI programs and what have you. And what I've said to folks, particularly on the side of the gop, is very, very simple. It's not so much that you want to eradicate dei, diversity, equity and inclusion programs. I'll let somebody else argue on behalf of that. What I like to focus on is how dare you try to ignore the reason for its existence in the first place, similar to civil rights legislation in 1964, similar to things like affirmative action, similar to things like the Rooney rule in the National Football League, et cetera. How dare you try to get away with highlighting why it needed to exist in the first place. It was because of the iniquities of folks in the United States of America, primarily the white power structure that exists. A concerted effort is being made to scrub history. We saw Governor DeSantis in Florida allude to this during his campaign, where he literally tried to bring up there were good components about slavery. This is some utterly ridiculous stuff. Nobody is calling out the president, Donald Trump. I will. The biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action and dei, some would argue, are white women. How come we don't mention that? Why is it always attached to black people? This is the kind of stuff that we're asking ourselves. And on a day like today, it gives us more credence to ask that question because of what happened with Jackie Robinson, who served in our military, drafted, served our country, and for hours upon hours in a day you had. His stuff was scrubbed and we're supposed to be, we're supposed to believe that's accidental. President Trump, I'm happy to sit down with you to have that conversation, sir. I'd love for you to try to defend it. Vice President Vance, you too, Pete Hegseth, you too, Stephen A. Smith is calling you out on national television. I'd love for you to sit down with the cameras rolling and try to defend this. It's ridiculous. You know, it's very, very important to make the point that I'm about to make. First things first, I want to announce to everybody in the world that's watching this show right now that for me, although I understand that when we say dei, we're talking about diversity, equity and inclusion is two very, very important things that I want folks to understand. Anybody that's been hired courtesy of DEI programs, that means black folks, that means Hispanic folks, that means white women. In no way am I trying to say that that automatically indicates you're not qualified. And what folks in America, particularly the white power structure that has existed in this nation for centuries, needs to comprehend is that when I say that the reason it's important to mention that is because the white male power structure, to be specific, is the one, is the structure that intentionally subjugated folks and held them back. There's plenty of people who should have been hired. There's a pity of people that missed out on opportunities. There are plenty of people who were denied what their capabilities say they earned and could obviously achieve that, were denied the opportunity to do so because somebody in a position of power usually, albeit not always, but usually white males, made the decision to hold them back. And that's something that's been documented throughout history. And it seems to be a concerted effort right now to make sure that that is ignored. But before I go any further in saying that and articulating and reiterating the point that I don't want anybody thinking that when I mentioned dei, that means you're automatically unqualified for something. And I hope I made that clear. I want to let you know that when I'm talking about dei, I'm not talking about diversity, equity and inclusion. That's not the DEI I'm focused on. You know what DEI stands for with me? Didn't earn it. Say it again. Didn't earn it. You see, when I bring up a name like a Pete Hagseth for the Department of Defense, for the United States of America, I want to apologize to him, his family members, anybody close to him, friends on Fox News or within the community, the Megyn Kelly's of the world and others, I am in no way saying he will do a bad job. I am in no way implying that there's no way on earth that he couldn't do a better job than his predecessor, Lloyd Austin. I don't know. What I'm trying to say is that in our system of governance, of government that hovers over us as American citizens, in this country, when we talk about content of character, resume qualifications, etcetera, there's usually a terrain you have to maneuver through in order to get to certain lofty positions. He did not have to do that. You cannot say that about him. I understand he served our country, that he's a military man. I understand that when he was selected by President Trump to be our Defense Secretary, that a bunch of military people were supportive of him, along with colleagues on Fox News, along with guys like Dan Bongino and others. I get that. I'm not. I'm not pushing back on that. I swear sincerely, and I hope he does. He's our Defense Secretary. I hope he does a good job on behalf of the United States of America. If I saw him, I'd shake his hand and wish him luck. I'm simply saying you can't say that when you will host a weekend Host, by the way, on Fox News, that that all of a sudden qualifies you to be the Defense Secretary of the United States of America, looking over three and a half million people that have to answer to you. That's ridiculous. That's all. Nothing more. I'm not bringing up his past transgressions and all the stuff they tried to bring in during the Senate confirmation hearings. I'm not doing that to that man. I'm only talking about his resume. Nothing more. Nothing more. But it's important to understand that anybody who's in a position that they did not earn, whose connections or whose favoritism towards and by the person in charge to put them in such a lofty position that makes you a DEI person. Didn't earn it. Didn't earn it. And we're not going to get around that. And so when you see this concerted effort being made to scrub records and to not allude to race and to not allude to sex and gender and all of this other stuff, what you're really trying to say is that you want people to forget certain elements of American history. You want the youngsters on to come up to not know about our racist past, about our prejudicial past. It wasn't just black people you held back. It wasn't just Native Americans you took the country from. It was also women you held back. When did they get a right to vote? How long was it before they stopped being subjugated to a minimal and less, less than role. It ain't just black folks. It ain't just minorities. It's also women. You did it to them, too. And the only reason I'm asking that question is because I'm saying to some on the right, when y'all gonna step up and handle your business? I thought you wanted to ingratiate yourself with people other than white folks in America. Aren't you bragging about the fact that got more black votes than he did in 2020, more Hispanic votes than he did in 2020, more younger votes than he did in 2020? Well, if all of those things are true, ladies and gentlemen, especially, and I'm speaking directly to folks on the right, why would you risk alienating segments of our population moving forward beyond 2026, into 2028 for another presidential election and beyond? Why would you compromise the progress that you made by living up to stigmas and assertions that of the negative variety that folks on the left have been saying about y'all for ages? Don't you want to move past that? Don't you want for folks to stop looking at you, questioning your racial sensitivity? Don't you want them to look at you and say, hey, they're treating us like they treat themselves, that they're judging us fairly, that they're embracing history and accepting accountability and responsibility for it as opposed to running from it and trying to act like it never happened? Don't you want a segment of our population to be able to say that? I would think you would. I would think you would. So that's all I wanted to say about that. Now, I want to move on to some degree from this subject to get a bit personal, because I want to get to others who weighed in on a subject, namely Robert Griffin the third, aka R G3, my former colleague at ESPN. By the way, shortly after my comments on First Take a couple of days ago, RG3 posted this on X, quote, sports shows on TV should be about sports, not about politics. End quote. Then, more than six hours later, he expanded his thoughts with this statement. Quote, this tweet is not about Jackie Robinson. His significance can never and should never be erased. Breaking the color barrier in baseball in itself is not political. Jesse Owens winning four gold medals in itself was not political. Jack Johnson becoming the first black boxing heavyweight champion in itself was not political. They all had political ramifications. They all challenged the status quo of racial barriers to fair play, race relations and civil rights that should always be acknowledged and never forgotten. They shouldn't be used as an excuse to push political agendas on sports shows or national television to an audience there to consume in sports content. End quote. RG3. Respectfully, my brother, you sound ignorant. You sound utterly clueless. First of all, when Jackie Robinson integrated baseball in 1947, are you trying to say that race Wasn't politicized in 1947 or beforehand? Like Branch, Ricky for the Dodgers didn't specifically choose him because he knew he would need his temperament as a former military man who exercised discipline as opposed to reacting violently to the racial venom that was thrown in his direction. You're trying to tell me politics had nothing to do with that? You're trying to tell me when Jack Johnson was fighting in a. In. In early in the 19th century, trying to tell me that had nothing to do with politics, just race? This is what you're trying to tell me that makes absolutely, positively no sense whatsoever. Okay, we all know that while race may stand alone, and as its prevalent issue, politics has been used historically to exercise the muscle necessary to implement racially insensitive policies, if not racist policies. That is a fact. I'm giving you facts. There is no black person alive who would deny that, and there's no white person who could justifiably deny it. Now, to get personal, you said this after first date. RG3. At some point in time, my brother, you're gonna have to show your hand and stop tap dancing like the late, great Gregory Hines, God rest his soul, and then Gregory Hines case. I only mean literally tap dancing, figuratively speaking. You got to stop dancing around issues, brother. You got something to say, say it. If you got a problem with Stephen A, Say it by name. What's the problem? Because I certainly don't have any problem with you. Let me tell you, RG3, an unknown secret that you may not have realized because you see, you come across as somebody that's bitter about being gone from espn. You ain't being slick. See, we saw the reports when you got let go by ESPN and how ticked off you were. We saw people in your camp, probably you, in my estimation. But I don't know this for sure, who alluded to the Jason McCourties of the world being on ESPN in the aftermath of you being let go. So since you have this pension, this proclivity to be passive aggressive, because that's how you roll, let me show you how to be direct. RG3. People at ESPN didn't like you, bro. They didn't like you. You know the names I said Names, as in plural. And do you know why I can say that to you, RG3? Because I'm not one of those people. I actually loved you on First Take. Every time you came on First Take, you did a damn good job. Are you ready for this, RG3? Don't faint. The bosses would tell you I wanted them to keep you. But just because I'm the executive producer of First Take doesn't mean that I get to keep you on the show. It doesn't mean that I get to determine your salary. It doesn't mean that I get to determine whether or not they're willing to pay your salary. And it damn sure doesn't mean that I have anything to do with Monday night NFL Countdown, which you were a part of. Now, I'm not going to get into who was happy about it and who wasn't. I'm not going to get into whether or not they were happy about it at all. That's inside in house business. That's none of anybody's business. What I'm saying to you is start with the passive aggressive stuff. That's weak, bro. That's weak. That's exactly the reason why a whole bunch of cats at ESPN had a problem with you because of that passive aggressive stuff. You know good and well that First Take has never been afraid to tackle issues, ever. Ever. When Skip Bayless was there, we weren't afraid. When Max Kellerman was there, we weren't afraid. Since Max Kellerman departed. Whether it's swagu, it's a Ryan Clark, two dudes you're very familiar with. Whether it's a Jeff Saturday, it's a Mad Dog Russo, it's a Kimberly Mart, it's a Lee, it's a Mina Kimes, it's a Dan Orlovsky, it's a Cam Newton, it's. It's Bart Scott, it's Damien Woody, it's Kendrick Perkins, it's Jay Williams, it's Monica McNutt, it's Andrea Carter, it's Janae Ogumike. The list goes on and on and on. All my colleagues, all fantastic, all phenomenal. Let me not forget L. Duncan, who does a great job doing the 6 o'clock sports center. We don't run from anything. RG3, how do I know what I'm talking about? Let me add Paul Feinbaum to that. Okay, let me have Joe Fort Bar to that. Let me tell you why we run from nothing and how I have factual evidence. RG3, do you know I have footage of you tackling issues you know good and damn well we tackle anything. It's football, it's basketball, it's politics, it's social issues, it's social commentary. Colin Kaepernick, George Floyd. List goes on and on. Philando Castile. We've tackled issues on a plethora of occasions. Why are you acting like you don't know? Because your feelings hurt that you're gone. Where were you when I got fired? RG3, you the only one that was let go. I can give you a laundry list of over 300 people that have been let go from ESPN since 2015. You ever heard of downsizing? You ever heard of how life can be sometimes in corporate America because you got stockholders and shareholders and you have projections that need to be met and the changing of the industry and the changing of the time. Sometimes this stuff happens. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm bringing this up about RG3 because RG3 is emblematic of something that happens a lot with people who depart from espn. You depart from ESPN and you got a problem with the industry. So you got to talk about shows or people on shows that you know are going to draw an automatic connection from the words that come out of your mouth. So you've got to infiltrate the proceedings by incriminating them as if they did something they did not do. RG3, bruh, I didn't let you go. If I had my druthers, you would have remained on First Take. It's not my fault that you're not on college football game day. And by the way, Pat McAfee is there instead of you. That brother is doing a hell of a job. It's undeniable. Pat McAfee is made for college football game day. I mean, him getting people to kick them damn field goals is the funniest stuff on television. Sometimes it's hilarious. And he sells it like no other. He's doing a hell of a job. He's a star, period. You look at RC and SWAGU and all of these cats, their name speaks for themselves and what they bring to the table. I can't speak for everybody else, but you weren't on college football game day. Evidently you weren't wanted anymore. On Monday Night Countdown, I wanted you on First Take. But what happens with a lot of people that leave ESPN is they get caught up in, oh, let me call out somebody that works on ESPN when your real problem is with management. Guess what? At some point in time in our careers, who doesn't have problems with management? Name a name. Pick a person. There's almost no one. At least almost no one in corporate America that doesn't have a problem with management. At least they admit it though, instead of coming across weak with their passive aggressive tendencies, trying to point the fingers where it don't belong. I'm being nice, bro. I really am. I've never done anything but show respect and love to RG3. I think RG3 is a talent. I think you did a damn good job when you was on First Take. I would have loved to have you on and these reports about, oh, I picked Jason McQuarty over RG3. First of all, I didn't pick anybody. Secondly, do you know I had met Jason McCourty once in my life before he came on First Date. Come on, bro, I understand that you're a bit salty about being gone, but come up with a better excuse to get at us, will you? You can do better. You could do better. Coming up, what the hell is Elon Musk doing at the Pentagon? At the invitation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth? I'll get into that. But first, the Baby Face Assassin himself, Steph Curry goes down in the midst of Golden State's playoff push. And Bronnie James puts up career high numbers for the Los Angeles Lakers. All that and more next, right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Don't go anywhere. All right everybody, listen up. With all the big time sports action that's happening each and every day, the Stephen A. Smith show wants to make sure you are taking advantage of it all. That's why we've partnered with Prize Picks, the best place to win cash while watching sports. The app is really easy to use to make a lineup. All you have to do is pick more or less on a few player stats. Choose from any of your favorite players. Luka Doncic, Jimmy Butler, and Zach Lavine, all in the same entry. Then sit back and watch. The list is absolutely endless. You can play prize picks in over 40 states, including California and Texas. Best of all, Prize Picks will give you 50 when you play your first five dollar lineup. Win or lose, you'll get 50 bucks. Just use promo code SAS and download prize Picks right now. Again, download the app and use code SAs to get 50 instantly. After your first five dollar lineup price picks, run your game. Hi, this is Jevon, your blinds.com design consultant.
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Stephen A. Smith
Oh wow, a real person. Yep.
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Jason Alexander
I'm here to help with everything from selecting the perfect window treatments to.
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Stephen A. Smith
Well, I've got a complicated project.
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Jason Alexander
No problem. We make the complex simple. I can even help schedule a Professional measuring install.
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Stephen A. Smith
I didn't realize you did that.
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Jason Alexander
We can also send you samples fast and free. Wow.
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Stephen A. Smith
I mean, I always thought I needed a designer to come to my home, but scheduling's always a nightmare.
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Jason Alexander
Notwithblinds.com, we're on your schedule. And there's no haggling pressure or hidden fees either. Hmm.
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Stephen A. Smith
I just might have to do more.
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Jason Alexander
Whatever you need. How about you tell me what you had in mind?
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Stephen A. Smith
Okay, then. So the first room we're looking at is for guests coming over, and I'm thinking of something.
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Peter Tilden
Blinds.com has covered over 25 million windows, all backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Shopblinds.com now and get up to 40% off with minimum purchase rules and restrictions may apply.
- [28:36]
Stephen A. Smith
From the executive producers of Hell and.
- [28:38]
Jason Alexander
Gone comes a new podcast investigating the.
- [28:41]
Stephen A. Smith
Serial murders orchestrated by South African cult leader Cecilia Stein.
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Jason Alexander
She conditioned them to be monsters.
- [28:48]
Peter Tilden
She was telling people the Bible says.
- [28:50]
Jason Alexander
She must go and kill, but actually.
- [28:52]
Peter Tilden
She was taking revenge.
- [28:53]
Jason Alexander
We are all so horrified by the idea that a mother would sully her daughter in this way. Listen to Queen Havoc and her murder cult on the iHeartRadio app or wherever.
- [29:04]
Stephen A. Smith
You get your podcasts.
- [29:10]
Jason Alexander
Welcome back to Stephen A. Smith Show. Let's get into some NBA and some injury news that could affect the Western Conference playoff race. That's because Steph Curry went down with a pelvic contusion in Golden State's 117114 victory over the Toronto Raptors last night. It's unclear how long Steph will be out, as the warriors are currently holding on to the sixth seed in the west with 12 games remaining in their regular season schedule. Okay, look at it right there. The Golden State warriors, sixth seed, 41 29, got a game and a half lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, who they're 0 and 3 against this year, by the way. And they're two games behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who they've beaten a couple of times. All right, if the playoffs were to begin today, the Denver Nuggets would play the Golden State Warriors. Okay, but they're only a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. Why does that matter? Do y'all know this year, the Golden State warriors, for all their success, particularly since Jimmy Butler's arrived, they only lost one game since he's arrived. I think they're 19 and three since the trading deadline. They've only lost one game with him in the lineup. Do y'all realize that the Golden State warriors are 0 and 3 against the Clippers, 0 and 3 against the Lakers, and 02 against the Denver Nuggets. Now, for some inexplicable reason, they've beaten Oklahoma City a couple of times. They've beaten the Houston Rockets, okay? They've beaten the Memphis Grizzlies. So I'm looking at that and I'm saying, damn, this is kind of strange, but just some numbers that I wanted to make sure that I threw out because I want everybody to be aware of what's going on, okay? If you look at Steph Curry, Golden State is 73 this season in games without Steph Curry. They won last night without him in the fourth quarter, basically the last 15 minutes of the game. They've got about a six game road trip coming up. Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, San Antonio, Memphis and Los Angeles. I've got them beating Miami and New Orleans, which are both a mess right now. Golden State could lose to Atlanta, but they could beat them. They could lose to San Antonio. They could beat them, Memphis and la. I don't know about that. Not without Steph Curry. I don't know about that. Okay? Jimmy Bartley had a triple double against Toronto last night. All right, Listen to this quote that he said. Because he's absolutely right. We can't afford to turn the ball over. Butler said, we can't afford to foul because we don't have the one individual who can automatically get us back into the game. He's absolutely right. Since the trading deadline, I said 193 to actually 163 since the trade deadline, which is the second best record in the NBA behind OKC since Jimmy Butler made his debut. Warriors ranked fifth in the league in offensive efficiency and second in defense in defensive efficiency. I'm just looking at them right now and this is their record. They're 2 and 1 against the Thunder this year, 3 and 1 against the Rockets, 0 and 2 against the Nuggets, 0 and 3 against the Lakers, 0 and 3 against the Clippers, 2 and 1 versus the Grizzlies, 3 and 1 versus the Timberwolves. So they've got victories over the Thunder, the Rockets, the Grizzlies and the Timberwolves. But for some reason, both LA teams and the Dublin Nuggets have been their kryptonite this year. You need Steph Curry because the reality is, the way Luka Doncic is looking right now, who's gonna pick Golden State to beat the Lakers? Chances are you ain't gonna pick Golden State to beat the Lakers. Once LeBron comes back, you're gonna be you're gonna. You're gonna look at them, especially the way he's looked when he's been out on the court. LeBron James is going to be ready. So you look at LeBron James, you look at the Los Angeles Lakers, you look at LeBron with Luka Doncic, and the way he's been balling, albeit last night wasn't the greatest night for them against the Milwaukee Bucks, who ran right at them in the end. I'm just looking at this right now, and I'm saying the Golden State warriors, if you fall out of the top six seed, you're destined to play one of the top two seeds. Iron. The irony is, again, they beating the Thunder and the Rockets this year. So, ladies and gentlemen, a simple question. If you're the. If you're the Golden State warriors, as presently constructed, who do you want to play in the first round? The Thunder, the Rockets or the Lakers? I know Denver's still in the mix, is a third seed at the moment, but let's hyper. Hypothetically, let's say the Lakers secured the third seed. Who you want, The Thunder, the Rockets or the Lakers? If you're Golden State. I'm telling you right now, if I'm them, I want the Rockets. I want a young team devoid of a bona fide, surefire number one option. I mean, these brothers are special. Amen. Thompson is going to be special. I'm telling y'all that right now. The brother's a rough Friday. He's special. And I. I love this kid, you know, I mean, I just look at him right now. He's just special. Shagun can't be ignored. I get Green ain't no joke. I get it. And IME Udoka is one of the best coaches in basketball. I love what's happening for him. But Houston's a piece of waiter. Too young. I know you got Dylan Brooks, Fred Van Vliet. I get that. But you're still too young. They're just a piece away. It's just a piece away. I'd want to face Houston. I don't want to face the Lakers with LeBron and Lucha and Luca. If I'm the Golden State warriors, and I don't care how successful they were in a regular season against okc, I can't see that translating to the postseason the way Oklahoma City skateboard playing defense. Now, let me get to Bronnie James, because y'all know this was a subject I was gonna have to tackle in light of all the news I've been in involving him over the last couple of weeks. But did y'all see what he did last night for the Lakers? Bronnie scored A career high 17 points in the Lakers 11889 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. To be fair, the Lakers were shorthanded with LeBron Luca and Austin Reeves out of the lineup, not to mention Rui Hachimura. But Bronnie stepped up, putting up those 17 points of seven to 10 shooting from the field, including two or four from deep. Ladies and gentlemen, same energy. Same energy. This young brother right here, I might have been wrong. I thought that he should have been in the G League for the year. I still. I still say he had potential, but I thought he might have been in the G League for the year. But if the brother gonna look this way, I got to give love where it's due and say that Bronny James showed some promise. Looked composed out there, completely unfazed. Had some nice ball handling skills. Pulled up jump shot, hit a three pointer, got to the basket, hit a floater, the whole nine. Let me tell y'all something. Nice pass there, too. Bronnie James in the G League, coming up, practicing with the Lakers, being around his dad, who's a basketball savant, I'm not gonna hate. I'm gonna call her. Like I see it. LeBron is a basketball savant. He has forgotten more basketball than most people know. We ain't got to like each other or ever talk to each other in life for me to admit that. Gotta give respect where it's due. But I want to use it as a reminder that the same dude that his daddy approached courtside is the same dude that said, I thought that he had this potential. I just didn't think it would be this season. See, I was never of the mindset that Bronnie James would never make the NBA. Go back and look at the clips. I said, he got a chance. He just needs the right to the legend, what have you. Evidently, he's getting it. JJ Redick can teach his coaching staff. Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks and others can teach being in the G League. Whatever staff the Lakers got out there in a G League, they can teach. And LeBron James certainly can teach Bronnie James. I watched him last night. One bad, one better. Look like he belonged. Look like he belonged. We gonna keep the same energy when he plays well. We gonna give it to him when he does it. We're not. You see how that works? That's what covering the league is. It's merit. What you see is what you see, Brownie. James looked good last night, can't deny it. Gotta get a brother love. Wish him nothing but the best. Ain't nobody rooting against him. Kid got potential. By the way, there's some article on him and the Athletic. The Athletic interviewed them. Go check it out, y'all. I haven't read it yet, but go check it out. Kids look like he got potential. Now. At this point, don't matter how you got there, it's what you do with the opportunity. Last night I was impressed. I was impressed. Coming up, Elon Musk reportedly threatens the Pentagon staff who leaked what he called false information to the New York Times ahead of his visit to the Pentagon today. But why is he there in the first place? That's what I want to know. I'll get into that right here next on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Don't go away. What's up, everybody? Stephen A. Smith here. Recently we made news because the great Bill O'Reilly announced a tour that's coming nearest you in the very, very near future. Get your tickets now for this. It's called Three Americans Live March 30th at Live Nation's Flagstar at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island. Don't miss the very first show as myself, Chris Cuomo, and yes, that man, Bill O'Reilly. Take our different ideas, our different backgrounds, our different beliefs across the country today demonstrate that respectful, meaningful and even fun conversation. Those are the things that make America as great as it should be. The show will be spirited, unscripted, and all three of us will let it fly as we discuss the topics everyone is thinking about these days. There will also be questions from the audience. We're not running. Tickets are officially on sale now with Pre sale code USA@3americanslive.com VIP packages are available with the opportunity to meet and take photos with myself and both those fellas. That's three Americans live March 30th at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island. Additional dates and cities to be announced. Don't miss it. Trust me, you'll get a kick out of it.
- [39:47]
Stephen A. Smith
Hi, I'm Daniel Tosh, host of new podcast called Tosh show brought to you by iheart Podcasts. I'll be interviewing people that I find interesting, so not celebrities and certainly not comedians. We'll be covering topics like religion, travel, sports, gambling, but mostly it will be about being a working mother. If you're looking for a podcast that will educate and inspire or one that will really make you think this isn't the one for you, listen to Tosh show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [40:17]
Peter Tilden
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- [41:22]
Jason Alexander
Welcome back to Stephen A. Smith Show. Now let's get to Washington, D.C. where billionaire Elon Musk took his campaign to cut the US Federal government into uncharted waters. Today, Musk was invited to a top level meeting at the Pentagon by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The New York Times reported yesterday that Musk would be briefed on secret war plans for China. That's something Musk, President Trump and others denied. Musk called for the prosecution of any Defense Department official leaking, quote, maliciously false information about his visit, end quote. After the Pentagon meeting, Musk stood with President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth this afternoon for a briefing on the visit. Hegseth described the meeting as an informal conversation with Musk that focused on innovation and efficiencies. However, the tech billionaire has businesses that currently have a number of contracts with the Defense Department, end quote. How much can we really, really say about it? I mean, if you got contracts with the Defense Department, then there's nothing wrong with the Defense Department meeting with you if you're Elon Musk. That's just reality. Should it make us uncomfortable? Sure should. And the reason why it should make us uncomfortable is because of the fact that he's not an elected official, nor is he somebody appointed to an official position that involves congressional or Senate confirmation. So based off of that, you know, we really have no jurisdiction over him per se. And so when you look at it from that standpoint, that's a reason to be uncomfortable. There's a lot of reasons to be uncomfortable. I'm not here to castigate Elon Musk in any way. He's innovative, he's creative, widely recognized as somebody that's brilliant, clearly got enough money. He don't have to worry about money for the rest of his. For the rest of his days. Was he worth about $400 billion? I mean, it is what it is. I'm simply making the point that, once again, it's something that makes you uncomfortable. We're a system of laws, rules, and regulations. And when somebody is in a position where they clearly can circumvent them at their discretion. When you're in the White House talking to the media while the President is sitting down and you're standing up and your son is saying, you're not really the president. My dad is. That's very, very uncomfortable for American citizens to deal with, particularly not just the 77 million plus who voted for Trump, but the 74 plus million who voted against him. So these are uncomfortable times. But I gotta admit to y'all, this ain't the story that people want it to be. I don't like the access that he has. I don't like the fact that it purportedly reportedly involves potential dealings or strategizing against China, even though he's categorically denied that's what it was about. Obviously, he's South African, and I'm not trying to draw any kind of connection. I'm simply saying when you look at China and some of the inroads they've made in places like. Like Africa, like South America, et cetera, et cetera, you got to wonder about them. These are legitimate questions to ask while we're connecting dots, because it appears that we only know about Elon Musk what he wants us to know. And when you are somebody in a position of power and influence the way that he is, we want to know a little bit more about you. Again, I don't know. Not trying to pretend that I do, but the discomfort that his presence in certain situations evokes, I can't blame it. I can't blame it. But if you already got contracts with the Defense Department, several contracts, I might add, then how the hell we gonna complain about him meeting with Hegseth and Trump? How's that possible? Can't see it. Can't see it. Now, let's get to the tweets before I get on out of here. Please show me the first tweet. Let's get right to it at Kyr underscore feet picks, right, Stephen A. Smith. Smooth smooth or chunky peanut butter? Smooth. I can't stand chunky peanut butter. I can't stand it. I don't want lumps, you understand? I like smooth peanut butter and jelly, but the jelly on the bread first. Actually, the peanut butter, you put the jelly on the bread first. Just a little peanut butter over it. That's how I like to do it. Some people like to put the peanut butter on the bread first, then the jelly over it. I like the jelly first, then the peanut butter, Dan, the peanut butter. But I gotta say, yo, definitely smooth. I don't like chunky peanut butter at all. I never eat it. Next tweet. Show me what you got at tick pick. Right, Stephen A. Smith. What record gets broken first? Steph's all time three point is made or LeBron's all time points scored? I'm gonna say Steph, three point is made, believe it or not. Because even though I think he's the greatest shooter God has ever created, I do think it's important to point out that LeBron's been in the league for 22 years. Do you have any idea the conditioning and the health that you have to have to be in the league for 22 years playing the way that LeBron played? In order to reach 50, 000 points, you got to be there a long time. You got to be in exceptional health, exceptional conditioning, and for the most part, relatively injury free. Those are too many components that have to work in your Favor to reach 50,000 career points with Steph Curry. What you have to do is be an elite shooter, which I think is hard in and of itself, virtually impossible. I see neither of these records being broken in the foreseeable future. But if I had to pick one because of longevity and health, I would pick LeBron James. 50,000 career points. Okay, so let's get to the last tweet, please. The no head K N O Y head. Stephen A. Smith. If you could travel back in time to any to attend any sporting event in history in person, what would it be? Easily the thriller in Manila. Ali Frazier. That would be me. Ally Frazier. Okay? That is where I would want to be. That might be the greatest fight of all time. Both dudes near death, for crying out loud. Ally. Admitting if he was so lucky, that Frazier wasn't able to get up for that 14th round because he didn't know if he could. Okay? He was Ready to quit several times. So that's what I would tell you. That fight right there, that's what I would say. One last tweet. Let's get to it. Give it to me at stilo and cree. Stilo and cree. S, T, E E, L, O and K, R, I. Right? Stephen A. Smith, do you get mad when people spell your name like Stephen? I don't get mad, I just correct them. Stephen, S, T E, V, E, N. That's not how it spell is. S T E P, H E, N. I don't get mad about it. I just correct them. Spell my name, it's with a ph, not a V. That's what I always say because it's my name. It's how my mother spelled it. Honor her respect how she spelled my name. Plain and simple. Stephen with a ph. Not a matter of fact, when people get at me, they criticize me. I always say it's spelled with a ph, not a V. Get it right, get it right. That's it. That's how I feel. Thank you all for watching the show. I got to get on out of here, but I'll be back over the weekend. I gotta watch me some March Madness all weekend long. I'll be in front of the tv. I. I can't even count the amount of basketball games I'm gonna watch this weekend. But looking forward to it, y'all. I gotta get on out of here to go do just that. Until next time, this is Stephen A. Smith signing off. Wishing you a wonderful and blessed and healthy weekend. Until next time, peace and love, everybody. I'm out.
- [49:24]
Stephen A. Smith
Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card Based on the February 2024 Nielsen report, PayPal lets you pay all your pals like your graduation gifters. Who's paying for the mattress topper?
- [49:59]
Jason Alexander
You mean the beanbag chair?
- [50:02]
Stephen A. Smith
Aren't we getting a mini fridge? Can we create a pool on PayPal? It lets us collect the money before we buy. Ooh, yes, that's smart. Glad we can agree on something easily. Pool split and Send money with PayPal.
- [50:18]
Peter Tilden
Get started.
- [50:19]
Stephen A. Smith
In the PayPal app, a PayPal account is required to send and receive money. A balance account is required to create a pool.