Full Show: Shedeur Sanders was Pranked. Trump is mad at the Polls. Bill Belichick's bossy girlfriend.

Summary

Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: "Shedeur Sanders was Pranked. Trump is mad at the Polls. Bill Belichick's bossy girlfriend."

Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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1. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft and the Prank Incident

Overview:
Stephen A. Smith opens the episode by addressing the controversial selection of Shedeur Sanders in the NFL draft. Despite his impressive college stats and strong pedigree as the son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur was picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, sparking debates about the influence of external opinions and potential biases in the draft process.

Key Points:

• Draft Position Critique:
  Smith criticizes the Browns for selecting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, arguing that his on-field performance and genetics warranted a higher pick. He highlights Shedeur’s statistics: 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, over 41,000 passing yards, and 4,100 yards passing.

  Stephen A. Smith [01:13]: "Shador Sanders is not a fifth-round talent nor a fourth-round nor a third-round. It's not who he is. He's much more than that."

• Presidential Influence:
  The episode touches on President Donald Trump's public endorsement of Shedeur Sanders, suggesting that his support may have influenced the draft outcome.

  Stephen A. Smith [00:40]: "he was pranked, okay? But you know it's bad when it ain't just me that was pretty ticked off about it and felt compelled to say something."

• Prank Call Incident:
  Smith recounts a prank call orchestrated by Jax Ulbricht, son of Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbricht, where Jax impersonated Saints GM Mickey Loomis to deceive Shedeur during the draft.

  Stephen A. Smith [08:06]: "He almost cost your father his job and his career. How stupid can you be... You gave absolutely, positively no thought to your father..."

• Falcons' Response:
  The Atlanta Falcons issued an apology, distancing Jeff Ulbricht from the prank and facilitating a direct apology from Jax to the Sanders family.

  Stephen A. Smith [08:24]: "And I can't imagine how appalled he was."

Conclusion on Topic:
Smith emphasizes the unprofessionalism of the prank and its potential ramifications on Shedeur Sanders' career and reputation, advocating for Shedeur’s talent to be recognized appropriately in future drafts.

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2. Donald Trump's Low Approval Ratings and Policy Analysis

Overview:
The discussion shifts to Donald Trump's administration, highlighting his historically low approval ratings at nearly 100 days in office. Smith delves into various policy areas, assessing their impact on public perception and political dynamics.

Key Points:

• Approval Ratings:
  Recent polls indicate Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 39%, with 55% disapproving—a record low comparable to 1945 standards.

  Stephen A. Smith [38:41]: "Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in the past 80 years."

• Economic Concerns:
  Despite promising economic turnaround, 72% of respondents believe Trump's policies might trigger a recession. Tariffs imposed on both allies and China are criticized for damaging international trade relations.

  Stephen A. Smith [42:56]: "Only 11% of Americans felt better off economically since Trump's reelection, with 51% believing the economy is deteriorating."

• Immigration Enforcement:
  Smith acknowledges Trump's success in tightening border controls, contrasting it with the previous administration's more lenient policies. However, he notes the mixed public reception and economic implications of these measures.

  Stephen A. Smith [42:09]: "You cannot have folks crossing the border illegally... Prioritizing border control definitely is going to be perceived as a plus."

• Civil Rights and DEI Rollbacks:
  The administration's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including defunding health research for Black communities, is highlighted as a significant concern.

  Stephen A. Smith [42:56]: "Aggressively targeted DEI efforts... are a problem."

• Foreign Policy Moves:
  Trump’s withdrawal from international agreements like the WHO and Paris Climate Agreement, along with attempted annexation of Greenland, strained global alliances and attracted criticism.

  Stephen A. Smith [42:09]: "Withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement... weakened alliances."

Conclusion on Topic:
While acknowledging some achievements in immigration and cabinet confirmations, Smith underscores the detrimental effects of Trump's policies on economic stability, civil rights, and international relations, painting a complex picture of his administration's impact.

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3. NBA Playoffs: Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Coaching Decisions

Overview:
Smith provides an in-depth analysis of the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Los Angeles Lakers' controversial coaching decisions during their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He critiques coach JJ Redick's strategy of not utilizing the bench, which led to fan dissatisfaction.

Key Points:

• Anthony Edwards' Performance:
  Smith lauds Anthony Edwards for his stellar performance, drawing comparisons to NBA legends and predicting his rising dominance.

  Stephen A. Smith [23:41]: "He's like a shark in blood infested waters and he's about to send somebody called King James by a few people home."

• Coaching Strategy Criticism:
  The lack of bench rotation by JJ Redick is heavily criticized, with Smith arguing that over-reliance on starters in a high-stakes game is a flawed approach.

  Stephen A. Smith [28:37]: "You cannot go up against young lions... and you don't use your bench at all. You gotta play your bench."

• Fan Reactions:
  Smith addresses the negative fan reactions to Redick's decisions, emphasizing the importance of strategic bench use in maintaining team performance and morale.

  Stephen A. Smith [55:36]: "You cannot do that. You gotta play your bench."

Conclusion on Topic:
Smith advocates for a more balanced coaching approach, encouraging the utilization of the entire roster to enhance team performance and satisfy fan expectations during critical playoff moments.

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4. Guests and Interactions: Conversation with Tony Dacopol

Overview:
A significant portion of the episode features Stephen A. Smith engaging in a humorous and spirited dialogue with guest Tony Dacopol. Their interaction revolves around basketball strategies, coaching qualifications, and playful banter about personal anecdotes.

Key Points:

• Coaching Debates:
  The duo debates the effectiveness of current coaches like JJ Redick and Tom Thibodell, suggesting alternatives and critiquing managerial decisions within NBA teams.

  Tony Dacopol [30:50]: "He should be fired right now. Because you know why? Next week is the second round."

• Player Evaluations:
  Smith and Dacopol discuss player performances, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, particularly focusing on emerging stars and veteran players' impact on games.

  Tony Dacopol [58:57]: "Steph Curry was without Jimmy Butler for a game and a half... He's the goat."

• Lighthearted Banter:
  Their conversation includes playful exchanges about personal interactions, such as mock disagreements and humorous references to personal relationships.

  Stephen A. Smith [54:11]: "Don't make me whip your ass right here..."

Conclusion on Topic:
The interaction with Tony Dacopol adds a layer of entertainment and relatability to the show, blending insightful sports commentary with engaging and humorous dialogue.

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5. Bill Belichick's Girlfriend Under Media Scrutiny

Overview:
Towards the end of the episode, Smith addresses the media spotlight on NFL coach Bill Belichick's relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend. He critiques the intrusive nature of media questioning and defends the privacy of public figures.

Key Points:

• Media Inquiries:
  CBS News anchor Tony Dacopol questions Belichick about his relationship, prompting Smith to emphasize respect for personal boundaries.

  Stephen A. Smith [49:34]: "she's 24 and he's in his 70s, so it is what it is."

• Respecting Privacy:
  Smith advocates for respecting the personal lives of public figures, highlighting the consensual nature of Belichick’s relationship.

  Stephen A. Smith [49:22]: "It's consensual. They're both adults. It's none of my business."

• Critical Commentary:
  While defending privacy, Smith also subtly critiques the societal fascination with age-gap relationships, urging a focus on professional achievements over personal lives.

  Stephen A. Smith [51:02]: "There's more to a relationship than just looks... safety, security, taking care of somebody."

Conclusion on Topic:
Smith calls for a balanced perspective on public figures' personal lives, advocating for respect and privacy while acknowledging the media's relentless pursuit of personal details.

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Overall Conclusion

In this episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show," Smith navigates through a spectrum of topics ranging from the intricacies of NFL drafts and NBA playoffs to political commentary on Donald Trump's administration. His passionate critiques, coupled with engaging interactions with guest Tony Dacopol, provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of current events in sports and politics. By incorporating notable quotes and timestamped insights, Smith ensures a dynamic and informative listening experience for both regular followers and newcomers to the show.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:13]: "Shador Sanders is not a fifth-round talent nor a fourth-round nor a third-round. It's not who he is. He's much more than that."
• Tony Dacopol [30:50]: "He should be fired right now. Because you know why? Next week is the second round."
• Stephen A. Smith [28:37]: "You cannot go up against young lions... and you don't use your bench at all. You gotta play your bench."
• Tony Dacopol [58:57]: "Steph Curry was without Jimmy Butler for a game and a half... He's the goat."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the discussions, highlighting Smith's assertive opinions and the dynamic interplay between him and his guest.

Transcript

[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Josh]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right folks, I need you all to stop what you're doing and listen up. You know I love this time of year, right? The NBA playoffs are in full effect and with all this action jumping off, the Stephen A. Smith show wants to make sure you take advantage of it all the that's why we've partnered with Prizepix, the best place to win cash while watching sports. The app is easy to use. Just pick more or less on a few player stats and you can win up to 2000 times your cash on a single lineup. Best of all, Prizepix will give you $50 when you play your first $5 lineup. Win or lose, you'll get $50 for playing. Use promo code SAS and download the app right now. Again, download the app and use Code SAs to get $50 instantly after your first $5 lineup. Prize picks. Hey, hey. Run your game today. I'll give you my picks for Tuesday night's game between my beloved New York Knicks. New York, stand up. And of course, the Detroit Pistons. So let's get to it. First up, will Jalen Brunson score more or less than 29 and a half points? He's Jalen Brunson, the clutch player of the year, who, by the way, was spectacular yesterday. By the way, was spectacular. Okay, on Sunday. All right, we go on with more on this one. Next up, we'll call Anthony Towns. Catman himself score more or less than 24 points? Well, he scored 58 points in the last two games. Did you see the brother pull up from the logo about two or three Damn times. He is truly the best shooting big man in basketball and he's showing it through these playoffs. I'm going with more. Next up with Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham score more or less than 26 and a half points. I'm going to say last. Why am I saying less? Brother's been struggling a little bit when going up against OG Anunoby who's been ding him up. He still had get his. He had a triple double with 25 points on Sunday afternoon, but I could see him getting some assist, I could see him getting some rebounds, but he's gonna drop 30 or 40. I don't see that happening at the Garden on Tuesday night. I'm gonna go with last. Not taking anything away from that brother, though, because the brother's special, no doubt about it. But I think he's gonna have less in this game. And last and finally, will Malik Beasley score more or less than 12 and a half points? I got to go with more. And here's why. He couldn't buy a basket to save his damn life for about three quarters and then came out and just drilled back to back to back threes for Detroit just like that. That's how explosive this brother is from beyond the arc. I got to give love where it's due. I think he's going to have more. So let's recap. That's more for Jalen Brunson. That's more for Catman, Karl Anthony Towns. That's less for Cade Cunningham. And of course more for Malik Beasley. As you can see, it's prospects. We say more than. We say less because we think about putting more money in your pocket, not less. Get the picture? It's an awful lot that happened this weekend. Some great, great NBA playoff games. It was enough to distract me from the nonsense that went down with Shador Sanders, okay? From him getting snubbed, from him getting lowered and minimized, to him being pranked, okay? But you know it's bad when it ain't just me that was pretty ticked off about it and felt compelled to say something. Okay? Other people far more significant than me evidently had something to say about it, too.

[Tony Dacopol]

Take a look after the President's true social post. The Browns finally took Shadur Sanders. Does the president think he deserves credit for Sanders getting picked? And does he think going to the.

[Josh]

Browns is better than being undrafted?

[Tony Dacopol]

Hey, I'm gonna All I will say.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Is the president put out a statement.

[Josh]

And a few rounds later he was drafted.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So I think the facts speak for themselves on that one, pet. What's up everybody. Welcome to the latest edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. Coming at you as I love to do at 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 pause before I do anything else to give gratitude and a heartfelt thanks to our subscribers and followers. Not just for the millions of downloads we've received over the last few months courtesy of iHeartradio, but our subscriber base eclipse in over 1.2 million at this particular moment in time. Thank y'all for the love and support from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the entire Stephen A. Smith show team. Keep the love coming and I'm gonna keep on coming 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 consider yourself the latest member of the Stephen A. Smith show family. And while you're doing that, please take a moment 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 straightshooterbook.com to get yourself a copy that straightshooter book.com to get yourself a copy. Let's get started with the aftermath of the NFL draft and Shedor Sanders finally getting picked 1 44th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Now listen, you know it's bad. Before I even go any further, you know it's bad when the President United States weighs in on the draft. Look at what he had to say. Quote, what is wrong with NFL owners? Are they stupid? Deion Sanders was a great college football player and was even greater in the National Football League. He's also a very good coach, street, wise and smart. Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son has phenomenal genes and is all set for greatness. He should be picked immediately by a team that wants to win. Good luck, Shador, and say hello to your wonderful father. So we know how the President of the United States feels about prime time. Deion Sanders and Caroline Levitt, White House press secretary. She said that the president said something and suddenly he was picked. She did add a few rounds later, like that's not a big deal. Um, clearly she's not bad. Football is not her expertise because it's a few rounds later. That's the whole point of why this is a big story. He should have been picked in the first round and going to the fifth round. Nevertheless, that's really not an issue right now. Worth discussing Compared to what we've got to get into, because I already broke down my feelings on that on Saturday. But do y'all remember what happened to Shadow? On Friday, the second day of the draft, Sanders received a phone call from someone pretending to be Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. For those of you who didn't see it, please check it out. Hello?

[Tony Dacopol]

Hey, is this your dirt? He got that call. Yo, what's going on? This is Mickey Loomis here, the GM of the New Orleans Saints.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Say it one more time for me.

[Tony Dacopol]

This is Mickey Loomis here, GM of the Saints. How you doing? Good. How are you, man? Good.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Been waiting on you. Yeah, we have.

[Tony Dacopol]

It's been a long wait, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, for sure.

[Tony Dacopol]

We gotta take you with our next pick right here, man. Yeah. Yes, sir.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let's be legendary.

[Tony Dacopol]

Hey, but you're gonna have to wait a little bit longer, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay.

[Tony Dacopol]

Sorry about that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What does that mean?

[Tony Dacopol]

What are you saying? I don't know. Are you gonna ask us what it means? And you was on call. You heard that? You say you're not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So it turns out the phone call was a prank from Jax Ulbricht, who actually taped the incident. Jax is the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbricht. The Falcons said that 21 year old Jax wrote down Shador's number from his father's open iPad while visiting his parents parents home. He apologized on Sunday, issuing this statement reading in part quote, on Friday night, I made a tremendous mistake. Shedeur. What I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing and shameful. I'm so sorry I took away from your moment. It was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life. And I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call early today. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, end quote. As for the Falcons, they issued their own statement saying in part quote, the Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shador Sanders and his family, who we have been in contact with, to apologize to, as well as facilitate an apology directly from Jax to the Sanders family. End quote. Finally, the Falcons said in their statement that Jeff Ulbricht was not aware of the data breach or the prank called until after the fact, end quote. Let me say this. I completely believe Jeff Ulbricht. I think grown adults wouldn't do such a thing. There's no evidence to the contrary to say or incriminate him in any way. And I can't imagine how appalled he was. The first thought that came to my mind is, did Jax Ulbricht get his ass whipped? Because that's exactly what he deserved. He deserved an ass whipping. He deserved his father strolling up to whatever school he's in and whipping his ass in front of the students. Now, obviously, he's 21 years of age, so he's a young man. Maybe knocking him side up. The head. Knocking him upside the head, that would have been better. We can say that Shador Sanders will forgive. And it's always good to forgive, because when you don't forgive, you're wearing that on your sleeves and you're taking up and you're giving that space in your life and in your soul. And why would anybody need to do that? But does Jax Ulbricht deserve it so easily? No, he does not. He should be embarrassed. He should be ashamed. Now, when I was on my day job, my first take on ESPN earlier today, I said that I wasn't gonna show, you know, like that, that a photo of him. But I didn't know this social media post was out and everybody had already seen it because I hadn't seen it. I heard about it, but I didn't see it. So considering the fact that this idiot taped it anyway with himself on camera, hell, what you want me to do? Because what we saw was Shador Sanders reaction, and look at what he said. You looking forward to coming? Well, unfortunately, you're going to have to wait a little bit longer. So he called just to make him feel like garbage. And I'm supposed to believe that you're sorry? No, you're sorry because you know that you almost cost your father his job and his career. You're 21 years of age and you would do something like that. You're 21 years of age and you would be that cruel, that classless, that insensitive. That's bad enough. But clearly you gave absolutely, positively no thought to your father because you were on camera. It wasn't like you. It was just a phone call. And they got to find a phone call. They could actually see your dumb ass. You actually did that and put your father and his name on front street. You almost got him fired. Luckily, he's been associated, associated with the NFL long enough as a player and a coach for people to know his character and his integrity that he wouldn't do something like that. So it was believed. And that way he's able to move forward. But you almost cost your father his career. How stupid can you be outside of classless? In other words, that I don't feel like calling you right now. There are certain times where people deserve to get their ass kicked, and this was one of them. Now let me get to Shador Sanders because I'm going to reiterate my point about this, ladies and gentlemen. Everybody's missing the picture. I've seen a bunch of people coming at me talking about, well, you know what? He wasn't that good. 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, over 41,000, 4,100 yards passing. You want to act like the brother couldn't ball? Okay, fine. We all know he could ball. He was projected potentially to be the number one pick. Then when it was clear that Cam Ward was going to be number one, you wondered whether he was going to go at number three. Before the Raiders acquired Geno Smith, you wondered whether he was going to go to 6. Then the New Orleans Saints definitely was interested at 9 because Derek Carr hurt his shoulder. Pittsburgh Steelers, with Mason Rudolph and Scott Skyler Thompson in their quarterback room clearly were interested in him. The Rams, looking for a successor to Matthew Stafford, was interested in him. So you could say what you want, but a worst case scenario. A worst case scenario has Shador Sanders possibly dropping out of the first round a la Jalen Hurts or being the last pick of the first round a Lamar Jackson. The Giants, when they moved up in the draft to acquire a quarterback, they picked Jackson Dart out of Ole Miss. Don't know why the Browns picked Dylan Gabriel, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist by the way, and Ken ball. But at 5ft 11, considering his arm strength and everything else, he wasn't considered in the same class as Shador Sanders. Some dude named Tyler Suk got picked ahead of Shador Sanders. Y'all don't have a problem with that? The most important position in the National Football League is the quarterback position. A projected first round pick falling in the fifth round is not something we have ever seen. For somebody who wasn't coming off a devastating injury or had a check and pass or didn't have a check and pass off the field, those are the only kinds of folks that drop that precipitously. Neither applies to Shador Sanders. He has no checkered pass off the field. On the field he performed. And he has no injury history despite being sacked 94 times in the last two years. But he went to the fifth round and why Primetime Deion Sanders is why. You know, I recently saw a clip of Boomer Siason, former NFL quarterback, big time radio host, speaking about it and saying that he was Told that on several occasions somebody wanted to grab Sanders and the owner stepped in and said, no, we don't want him. Because during the whole interview process and what have you, he appeared arrogant and brash and they didn't like it. Okay, Shador Sanders is openly admitted. Maybe as he reflects on it, there are some things he could have done differently. Then you have the situation involving his father. The great primetime Deion Sanders, the greatest cornerback in NFL history, one of the greatest athletes this world has ever seen, a two time super bowl champion, an All American, one of the greatest athletes we've ever seen in the history of man, who was, who can be brash and who can be bold. And was basically talking about how there were some teams that he didn't want his son to go to and if he didn't want his son there, his son wasn't going to be there. So it is not beyond the realm of comprehension that they stepped in as owners and said, bump this. That's what they did with Colin Kaepernick. Even though this is totally two different situations, that's what they did with them. My whole point is what a damn shame. Because yes, Deion Sanders wasn't perfect or flawless in the things that he said leading up to the NFL draft and neither was Shador Sanders. But why are we acting like Deion Sanders is some pariah that owners can't like and appreciate? They certainly like him. They love him when they see him. They love talking to him. They love listening to him talk about the NFL. He worked at cbs, worked at the NFL Network. Could have worked in this industry for years to come, but wanted to be a coach. No check had passed, no negativity. Brash, arrogant, sure, but backed it up and it ended up being something that was beneficial to the league. Still has a great relationship with the league office. Deion Sanders has given far more to football than he has ever taken from the sport on the pro or collegiate level. And for them to use his son to make an example that wasn't about football, that's about human beings upstairs in high executive places and beyond who wanted to remind Deion Sanders who the hell he is compared to them and that he's not flexing towards them in any way, that's significant. He's not on their level. They wanted to humble him. There's not a black man that's achieved anything that hasn't seen or heard about that happening before. But in this particular instance, it's beyond egregious. Shador Sanders is not a fifth round talent nor a fourth round nor a third round. It's not who he is. He's much more than that. But they were determined to make him feel that way and now he's a member of the Browns. Joe Flacco, Dylan Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, Shador Sanderson. We all know Deshaun Watson is not going to be there, you know, after his injury, he's not going to be there next year. So you got those four quarterbacks. Do you know that Shador Sanders could possibly win the starting job, but you take him in the fifth round, it's pretty damn shameful. It really is. Coming up, Donald Trump has the lowest 100 day job approval rating of any president in the past 80 years. I'll get into that straight ahead. But first, did y'all see what Lakers head coach J.J. redick did in the second half of their must win playoff game against the T Wolves fans are not happy in la. We'll dive into that with a surprise guest up next. He's been here before. Y'all like him? Not sure I do, but I'm gonna have him on anyway. You'll see who I'm talking about in a minute. It's the Stephen A. Smith Show. Holla at your boy. Back with more in a second. 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 $5 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 $5 lineup. Prize picks run your game.

[Josh]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care, it's nostalgia overload as Wilmer Valderrama and Freddie Rodriguez welcome another amigo to their podcast do Amigos. Wilbur's friend and former that 70s show castmate Topher Grace stops by the speakeasy for a two part interview to discuss his career and reminisce about old times.

[Tony Dacopol]

We were still in that place of like, what will this experience become?

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you go, you're having the best time, but it was like such a perfect golden time.

[Josh]

Listen to Dos amigos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Welcome back to Stephen A. Smith show. Now let's get into the NBA playoffs and I want to just focus on the Lakers game four meeting with the Timberwolves yesterday just for a second. All right? Because I don't know if y'all saw what the hell I saw. I don't know if y'all saw what the hell I saw, but that brother right there, I mean, I know you saw Nas Reed hitting the jump shot. I know you saw. Listen, Ant man is his nickname. It's called Anthony Edwards. That's his name. He is 23 years old and he is the best player on the floor compared to LeBron James, Luka Doncic or anybody else you want to bring to the table. The brother is coming. He's coming, ladies and gentlemen. Already in his young career, last year he swept Kevin Durant. Last year he sent Jokic home in a game seven in Denver and he is on the verge right now ascending LeBron James and Luka Doncic together. Home. That's what he doing. 43 points, 12 of 23 shooting 50% from three point range, 14 to 17 from the free throw line, the nine rebounds, the six assists, just one turnover in 44 minutes. This brother is, is like a shark in blood infested waters and he's about to send somebody called King James by a few people home. Unless the Lakers are going to do something about it. That's where I'm coming from. But I figured my, my guest would want to talk about it because you know, he want, he want to play the role of NBA analyst. He usually just come on here to have some fun and all that stuff, but he want to act like he an NBA analyst today day. So I said, you know what, fine, come on, come on, let's talk some basketball. You want to do that. Let's do that. All right. Nephew Josh is in the house.

[Tony Dacopol]

Best looking man in the family.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You don't have to be rude. You don't have to be rude. That's not very nice.

[Tony Dacopol]

It's just I'm your uncle.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm just. I'm saying I'm your uncle.

[Tony Dacopol]

You're not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's not what you say about an elder statesman from your family. Which by the way, you wouldn't look the way you look if it wasn't for the way me and your mama and your aunts and stuff look. Okay? You recreate it from somewhere. You get your GS from somewhere. You certainly get your glasses from me. I know that much. You steal them all the damn time.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah. So it's the money then that y'all didn't have. So that's why I just look a little bit better. But what we talking about?

[Stephen A. Smith]

What we talking about? I thought you was the NBA analyst. Did you just hear me talk about the Lakers?

[Tony Dacopol]

I am talking about JJ under coaching.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What are you saying about jj? What are you trying to say?

[Tony Dacopol]

I mean, first of all, it sound like the whole thing that you just broke down was. You're wrong.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm wrong?

[Tony Dacopol]

Did you not pick the Lakers to go to the finals?

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, I didn't. I picked them to win the series though.

[Tony Dacopol]

So you were wrong.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you pick the Lakers?

[Tony Dacopol]

No, I picked Minnesota.

[Stephen A. Smith]

When did you pick Minnesota?

[Tony Dacopol]

See, I ain't been invited in two weeks.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That is a lie.

[Tony Dacopol]

I didn't pick Minnesota.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You did not pick Minnesota. That is a flat out lie. You did not pick Minnesota. So that's what we doing now as an analyst, you're going live.

[Tony Dacopol]

Once I break down why I picked.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Go ahead.

[Tony Dacopol]

So last year Ant Edwards lost to Dallas in the Western Conference finals after a tough seven game series with Denver. Right. This year he catches Luka in the first round. So when he's coming down the court and he sees Luka in front of him, Austin Reaves in front of him, 40 year old LeBron in front of him with no rim protector. The tallest guy that you play is Finney. Finney Smith, yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Jackson Hayes, but he's not playing.

[Tony Dacopol]

He played seven minutes last night. Meet me at the rim. And then you got Ant Edwards finishing with 40 points, Julius Randle showing up. He's been hurt for the Knicks the last two post seasons so we forgot what he could do in the playoffs. And here you got it. We up three one. We.

[Stephen A. Smith]

By the way, Jackson Hayes only played four minutes.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah. Not even seven See, not even seven.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He only played four minutes. So what do you think about Ant, Man? Man, and what do you think about what you're seeing from into this, brother? I mean, he's Jordanesque. You realize that, right?

[Tony Dacopol]

He's the face of the league. Even when he says that he's not the face of the league. That's the reason he's the face of the league.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You think he's the face of the league over Steph Curry?

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, Steph is on his way out.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, he's not. Have you seen Steph play? I mean, have you seen the play? He only learned his way out. Where you going?

[Tony Dacopol]

So did you hear what Paul Pierce said about Ant Edwards?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I did not. What did he say?

[Tony Dacopol]

Was cut to with Griffin?

[Stephen A. Smith]

How you calling my producers telling me about that? Anthony Edwards is not looking at LeBron and Luka like, you know, he admire KD, but he ain't gonna be doing all that woofin to them. He ain't gonna be doing all that. I don't think so. This is something different. Like KD is one type of aura, but LeBron is a different aura than KD. And he ain't gonna be shooting, looking at all that yelling. And how you know? I just know. I just know. I just got a feeling. You mean you wouldn't, right? You wouldn't. I wouldn't. Would what?

[Tony Dacopol]

You just said you wouldn't be looking at run.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I already did that.

[Tony Dacopol]

I said you wouldn't.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What you mean I would not?

[Tony Dacopol]

I already.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What you mean wouldn't? I did it when. What you mean? Win, win.

[Tony Dacopol]

Show me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Pull it up. YouTube it then. You talking about.

[Tony Dacopol]

I'm talking about you speaking for another man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And what he gonna be like. Did they say that before the series?

[Tony Dacopol]

Before the series.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So what was your purpose of calling that up just now?

[Tony Dacopol]

Because what he said was the way Aunt Edwards ended Kevin Durant and was screaming in his face and was, you know, going at him, he thought that he wouldn't do that against LeBron James. Griff, cut to the next video.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You calling them for another video? What the hell you been doing here?

[Tony Dacopol]

Look, Dom, looks like woofing to me. Woof, woof, woof, woof.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Shove. It does look the same. It looks like what he was doing to Kevin Durant. It looks like what he was doing to Kevin Dante a little bit worse.

[Tony Dacopol]

Cause he added a little physical physical to the.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wolf.

[Tony Dacopol]

Who not gonna do that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So what you trying to say?

[Tony Dacopol]

I'm trying to say that that's why he's the Face everything that y'all appreciate about the old school, and Edwards is bringing it back on top of being able to shoot better than Julian.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you acknowledge that the old school is like. It's like a model that the new generation of cats should follow.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah. Y'all was more angry back then. Michael Jordan said it was because they was doing cocaine and stuff.

[Stephen A. Smith]

When did he say that?

[Tony Dacopol]

He said it on his documentary. Don't act like you ain't see it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He said what? That they were doing cocaine.

[Tony Dacopol]

You ain't see it?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I saw it. I don't recall that.

[Tony Dacopol]

We can rewatch it together.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You making stuff up. You making stuff up. So what's going to happen to the Los Angeles Lakers right now?

[Tony Dacopol]

Five. Five.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They going home? Five? Yeah, they're going on five. They're going on five.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

By the way, let me see what you think about what J.J. redick had to say about not playing his starters the entire. Nobody but his starters for the entire second half. Not using his bench once in the entire entire second half. Let's see what JJ Redick has to say about that play.

[Josh]

That we certainly played well enough to win, and we gave the effort to win and, you know, the. Not a planned thing to play five guys an entire second half. We asked him at the beginning of the fourth quarter, told them we had two extra timeouts. You know, if you need a sub, let us know. Those guys gave. Gave a lot.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What'd you think about that statement?

[Tony Dacopol]

I think what I've been thinking all year, that maybe Gilbert Arenas should be the coach and not JJ Redick.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Gilbert Arenas the coach?

[Tony Dacopol]

Why is JJ Redick the coach?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm just saying. What would make you come up with the name Gilbert Arenas? I'm not. Listen, Gilbert knows his basketball.

[Tony Dacopol]

He knows his basketball.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm not throwing no shade on Gilbert Rena, But I'm like, why would you bring up Gilbert's name?

[Tony Dacopol]

Because Kobe has stamped Gilbert as one of those brilliant basketball minds. And I think LeBron just stamping JJ Redick. And y'all, too. Cause he was on ESPN too. Just all of a sudden too. I don't understand that J.J. redick love affair from the world either.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I think he's done a hell of a job.

[Tony Dacopol]

That's what I saw it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I think. I thought he did a hell of a job coming into these playoffs. Lakers were a top three seed in.

[Tony Dacopol]

The west because you added a top three player.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, wait a minute now. Even when Anthony Davis was there, before he departed, you were a top five.

[Tony Dacopol]

Seed because he's a top seven player like you said.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But I'm just saying the point is, is that they did that. They had been in a play in the last few years. And don't get me wrong, I love Darvin Hammond. I don't think he should have lost his job. But I do believe that JJ Redick has done an outstanding job up until these playoffs, specifically yesterday. You cannot. You cannot go up against young lions and young thoroughbreds like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are longer, who are very physical, who have defensive tenacity. And you don't use your bench at all. You cannot do that. You gotta play your bench.

[Tony Dacopol]

We talking about JJ Redick or Tom Thibodeau? Cause I believe Tom Thibodeau should be the first coach up 31 during the playoffs to be fired.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What?

[Tony Dacopol]

He should be fired right now. Because you know why? Next week is the second round. We keep losing in the second round. We know what's coming. We playing the Celtics. So it's about how we gonna lose. Are we going to lose because players are dying out from the first round. Why did Jalen Brunson. Jalen Brunson broke his ankle yesterday.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What do you mean he broke his ankle? He got up, he came back and.

[Tony Dacopol]

Got 20 points after breaking his ankle.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He was 15 points in the fourth quarter and was walking around just fine. There's no medical diagnosis that said his ankle was broken. Why would you say this?

[Tony Dacopol]

Tom Thibodell got control of this team for four years.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How?

[Tony Dacopol]

You don't got a roster that you could trust past six players. Nobody's going to call him out.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I've always accomplished. Hold up. I have called him out for that on many, many occasions. Call out the fire, absolutely. But the fact of the matter is your young whippersnapper self wouldn't know any better. You weren't around. It really mattered when the New York Knicks were losing so badly. We would have laughed at stock of the whole damn league. Now they winning 50 games a year. They're making it to the playoffs. And when they're losing. Listen, they beat Indiana in the semifinals last year. If everybody doesn't get injured. And they down in game six, they beat Indiana. And this year when they lose, because I believe they will lose to Boston, it is the reigning defending NBA champions. Who's one of the top two teams in all of. Top three teams in all of basketball. That's who they would be losing to. I can't fire a man based off of that.

[Tony Dacopol]

You firing him because the players keep getting hurt. Because you're wearing him out. Luo Dang is on crutches. Derrick Rose has been in a wheelchair since he was 25. It's because Thibodeau doesn't know how to use his complete team.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I didn't see Derrick in a wheelchair. I just saw him a few months ago. He was walking around, looked just fine.

[Tony Dacopol]

It's a figure of speech. You know he's been out in and out of the lineups for 17 years since year three.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you were five time Thibodeau. So since Gilbert Arenas would be your coach in Los Angeles, who would be your coach in New York?

[Tony Dacopol]

Either me, you?

[Stephen A. Smith]

You.

[Tony Dacopol]

You don't hear what I'm saying. It doesn't sound like I know what I'm talking about.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, it does. It doesn't sound like you qualified to be a coach at all.

[Tony Dacopol]

So you know who Precious achieve is?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Of course I do.

[Tony Dacopol]

Why is he playing zero minutes?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't understand.

[Tony Dacopol]

You know, as a starter, Precious Achua.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Should be playing as a starter.

[Tony Dacopol]

He averages 13 and 9, 10 games. That's a good enough sample size.

[Stephen A. Smith]

As a. Listen, he should be playing. I'm not denying it. But just because you're right about a point here or there doesn't mean you're qualified to coach. Even I wouldn't want to coach.

[Tony Dacopol]

I'm tired of waiting for the premiere.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I want to be. Well, listen, there's nothing that all my.

[Tony Dacopol]

Money on these jackets and stuff like that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me ask you, tell me, tell me. First of all stop talking about the money you spend on jacket because one minute you spend the money and one of the minute you saying that you got it from me. That's number one.

[Tony Dacopol]

It's ours.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Number two. Number two. When you think about this, you're talking about the Knicks. What would you do differently that would. What could you do with this roster that would enable the New York Knicks to beat the Boston Celtics?

[Tony Dacopol]

Well, Mitchell Robinson doesn't seem to be able to jump twice anymore. So I would play him just for like you told. You can get up but you have to play Precious Achua. You have to Trust the Deuce McBride. These are players that you trusted all year.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Deuce McBride has been in the games and when he's been in the games in this series, he hasn't been that effective. He had a good three yesterday, but for the most part he hasn't been that effective.

[Tony Dacopol]

Oh, sorry. His campaign played seven minutes yesterday.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Campaign should have played more. Especially with what he did for at the beginning of this series.

[Tony Dacopol]

No doubt I'M hearing a lot of shit plays and they not playing anyway. Fire somebody. Where's Leon Rose?

[Stephen A. Smith]

What would you tell him? What would you tell him?

[Tony Dacopol]

Nah, I think we should shake stuff up and fire Tibbet over the next.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So who would be the coach, other.

[Tony Dacopol]

Than you, if you were Jalen Brunson's dad?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Rick Brunson.

[Tony Dacopol]

Rick Brunson.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay. And the qualifications that he has. And then I know he. Yeah, I know he knows basketball.

[Tony Dacopol]

Deion Sanders is a coach.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay, so get rid of Tom Thibodeau.

[Tony Dacopol]

Get rid of Tom Thibodeau and hire Rick Brunson. I feel like Tom Thibodeau.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I covered in college. You know, I covered him when he was Temple.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, exactly. And I feel like Tom Thibodeau changed our, you know, our mentality and stuff like that. You did your job. You did what Mark Jackson did for Golden State.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How come you didn't mention hiring Mark Jackson?

[Tony Dacopol]

You know, for certain reasons and stuff like that. He's always my favorite, but they never move on, so let's not even waste that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Is there anything else you want to say before I throw you off the show? I mean. Yeah, you haven't been out in a week and you've been texting me. Cause you missed me. You missed your uncle so much.

[Tony Dacopol]

Nah, I've been trying to. I've been trying to figure out on the Internet, they was trying to help me negotiate my contract, so yearly.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Your contract? Your contract with who?

[Tony Dacopol]

Ours. Our contract. You got 100.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I wasn't aware. I wasn't aware that you were in a position to negotiate a contract. So you was talking about you getting advice about how to negotiate a contract with me?

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, only because, like, on first take, it's like 80. Y'all, like, rotating and stuff like that. So y'all splitting that big pot on here. For the most part, it's me and you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Me and you.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And what do you think you've done to deserve money from me for here?

[Tony Dacopol]

It's not so much what I think. I speak for the people.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, the people are fully aware that you steal from your uncle, you take my shades, you know, you take other things. Okay? You go on trips, you book it to my card. This is what you tell. You brag about this stuff. So basically what you're saying is you've already taken my money. You've already taken my money, you know, so why should I have to give you anything?

[Tony Dacopol]

Well, since we doing that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, no, no. Since we doing that, why do I have to give you anything since you've already been taking without my permission.

[Tony Dacopol]

By the way, I'm tired of those rumors being out. And then tomorrow's the Knicks game. I got a skybox.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you see it? You got a skybox tomorrow. You coming with who? You got a skybox with me?

[Tony Dacopol]

You could come.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What makes you think I'm going to the game? Right, but when you say you talking about skybox, where you sitting? I'm sitting courtside.

[Tony Dacopol]

So we paid twice. No, I got a skybox in here.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, you go get the skybox all you want to, but I. I didn't pay for that. I'm sitting courtside.

[Tony Dacopol]

You can sit court side.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm someone. I'm someone.

[Tony Dacopol]

Keisha from the last show. Yeah, she gonna be in the Skyb. Come on.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who? Keisha.

[Tony Dacopol]

That Colton from Jersey?

[Stephen A. Smith]

You actually really reached out to her?

[Tony Dacopol]

She had reached out to me. I answered, I'm here.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm gonna kick your ass. You reached out to that girl?

[Tony Dacopol]

She reached out to me. She said it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you see her? Is she worth going to the game, too?

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, I said, I'm going skybox, too. You know.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Keisha in the skybox.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, yeah. Spinning my hat.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How you get the skybox?

[Tony Dacopol]

How do I get the skybox?

[Stephen A. Smith]

How do you get the skybox? It's not free.

[Tony Dacopol]

They watch the show.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I mean, they believe it's not free, Josh. I know I better not see some shit on my card charging me for the skybox at this point now, I.

[Tony Dacopol]

Don'T even need the card. They be like, that's Stephen A's nephew with the company card. I don't even need the physical. It's just. You just gonna handle it? I owe people in your name, to be honest with you. Sometimes I don't got the card. I'd be like, he got it. I know he got it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Coming up, Bill Belichick's girlfriend checked a network news anchor who asked about their relationship. I'll get into that straight ahead. But first, with nearly 100 days in office, Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in the last 80 years. I'll get into it and respond to your tweets next, right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Get out. Just get out. Just get out now. Just go.

[Tony Dacopol]

You believe that?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes, I do.

[Josh]

Time is precious, and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. It's nostalgia overload as Wilmer Valderrama and Freddie Rodriguez welcome another amigo to their podcast, Dos Amigos. Wilmer's friend and former that 70s show castmate Topher Grace stops by the speakeasy for a two part interview to discuss his career and reminisce about old times.

[Tony Dacopol]

We were still in that place of like, what will this experience become?

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you go, you're having the best time.

[Tony Dacopol]

But it was like such a perfect golden time.

[Josh]

Listen to Dos amigos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Welcome back to the Stephen A. Smith Show. Now let's get to Washington and the poll numbers that show Americans are are not that happy with President Trump after nearly 100 days in office. That's according to a new ABC News Washington Post poll, okay or Ipsos I P S O S poll. It says just 39% of respondents in this poll said they approve of how Donald Trump is handling his job as president. That's down 6 points from February, while 55% said they disapprove. This beats the previous low of 42% for a president at or near 100 days in office dating back to 1945. The 42% was also Donald Trump in 2017. Meanwhile, more Americans are losing faith in the president when it comes to the economy. Despite running on a platform of economic turnaround, 72% of those responding to the poll say they think it's very or somewhat likely that Trump's economic policies will cause a recession in the short term. And finally, the poll shows the Democratic Party remains out of favor with the public at large. People said they trust Donald Trump over the Democrats in Congress to handle the nation's main problems by 37% to 30%. Furthermore, while 60% said Trump is out of touch with the concerns of most people in the country, even more, 69% said the Democratic Party is out of touch. It's 64% for the Republican Party overall. Ladies and gentlemen, let's get the good out of the way. Let's talk about the President, 47th President of the United States, formerly the 45th President of the United States of America. When it comes to immigration enforcement, there is no doubt that Donald Trump has been successful. We can slice it any way we want to. But Joe Biden having an open border policy caused a lot of problems in this nation, particularly the psyche of American citizens. You cannot have folks crossing the border illegally in an undocumented fashion thinking that that is going to bode well for American citizens, whether it's courtesy of $53 million in prepaid credit cards that were doled out by the Adams administration, the mayor of New York, whether it's Gavin Newsom in the state of California indicating that there's some debt issues with Medicare because of the money that you spent on illegal immigration, whether it's crimes in the streets, whether it's the perception that the streets are unsafe in the streets of America simply because of an immigration problem, you cannot have that. And the fact that Trump rolled up in there and cleaned this stuff up, prioritizing border control definitely is going to be perceived as a plus, whether Democrats and others like it or not. Swift Cabinet confirmations is another successful thing.

[Tony Dacopol]

Why?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because 13 cabinet nominees were confirmed within 10 weeks, surpassing the pace of the previous administrations. You got to give them credit for that, because you got people in place to get things done, assuming they get things done. Energy policy reversals. We all know that Trump signed executive orders promoting fossil fuel development, including revoking electric vehicle mandates and encouraging energy exploration on federal lands. This is considered a good thing, ladies and gentlemen. And of course, foreign policy initiatives, because efforts have been made to broker ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza. And so he's going to get some credit for trying to make inroads. For making inroads, rather, in that regard, here's the bad. There's still economic concerns. You saw the poll numbers, right? And another poll indicated only 11% of Americans felt better off economically since Trump's reelection, with 51% believing the economy is deteriorating and tight tariffs have been cited as a significant misstep, because you were targeting not just China, but everybody, which meant some of them were our allies who ultimately turned towards being enemies and were willing to talk to China about doing business with them because of the position that Donald Trump and his administration took, led by Peter Navarro, by the way, that was problematic. You also got a situation involving civil rights rollbacks. Let's not forget that the Trump administration aggressively targeted DEI efforts, including defunding health research for black communities and cutting support for historically black institutions, according to some folks on Capitol Hill. That is not something to be flattered that he should be flattered about. That is a problem. Okay. And then, of course, there's the strained international relations. His foreign policy Moves such as withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement and attempting to annex Greenland, that weakened alliances and drew international criticism. So I look at it from that standpoint. Doge that remains to be seen because they were considered somewhat successful in terms of their cost saving efforts. But it's been controversial. And of course, we have to give them credit, as far as I'm concerned, in protecting women's sports in that regard, because we all know with the whole transgender thing and the participation in women's sports, that was something that needed to be addressed. So there you have it. Here's what I walk away with more than anything. Despite his low approval ratings, he's still more popular than the Democrats. So it's really the ultimate indictment against the Democratic Party because, again, despite the noise that he has made and despite. Despite unfavorably he's looked upon, the Democrats still can't beat him, because you still have nobody to beat him. You don't have a face that resonates nationally. You don't have somebody who's dogged in their beliefs who happen to be able to resonate. We saw Cory Booker, the senator who's been a guest on this show, speak for 25 straight hours. Not too many people cared. We see Jasmine Crockett and aoc, you know, speaking what they're speaking. Not too many people are caring. We see AOC going on tour with Bernie Sanders, and they're drawing some crowds. But here's the reality. Going the hell off about Trump ain't gonna get you so far because all you're showing us is that you're not willing to work with him. And because you're not willing to work with him. And the Democrats have control of neither the White House, the House of Representatives or the Senate. You're powerless. You're just blowing into the wind. The Democrats have got to win the midterm. They've got to win the midterm. Whether it's the Senate or the House, they've got to win the midterm. Because if you don't win, he doesn't have to work with you, because the GOP is going to stand with him, because they're going to be petrified that they'll be booted out of office by their constituency because Trump will work to turn the Constitution constituency against them. So they're going to march lockstep with him when it really, really counts. Based on what I'm looking at, he could lose some of them if he alienates them. He's already made the Supreme Court A bit suspect with some of the things he suggested, courtesy of all the lawsuits that have come their way because of the executive orders that he has signed and how that's worked out because he got a lawsuit every other day, for crying out loud. But in the end, it doesn't amount to anything. If you don't have a Democratic candidate anywhere who can take him on or one of his surrogates that's going to succeed him in 2028, assuming he doesn't elect, he doesn't pull off, rather circumventing the 22nd Amendment and he gets to run for a third term, by the way. I'm just guessing, but it's an educated guess based on some of the things that I'm hearing. While Barack Obama has no interest in returning to office, that may change. If Trump, courtesy of Steve Bannon and his crew, get to circumvent that 22nd amendment, it may change. Could you imagine Trump versus Obama for the 2028 presidency? Say what you will, but that would be must see tv. We'd be transfixed. I don't even know if it's worth talking about anything else if that happens, because everybody'd be talking about Obama versus Trump. Obama versus Trump. That's all I have to say about that. Now let me transition to something else. And by the way, I kept my nephew Josh here after all. I really was gonna throw him off the set, but. But I forgot. I wanted him to comment about something else that was going on. And this is. Before we get into your tweets, I need to discuss the interview Bill Belichick did this weekend with CBS News. Did y'all see this? Belichick sat down with CBS anchor Tony Dacopol. I believe that's how you pronounce his name. To discuss life and his new book, the Art of Winning. Decouple asked about the book and then started to ask questions about Belichick's 24 year old girlfriend. Check this out.

[Tony Dacopol]

Jordan was a constant presence during our interview. You have Jordan right over there. Everybody in the world seems to be following this relationship. They've got an opinion about your private life. It's got nothing to do with them, but they're invested in it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How do you deal with that? Never been too worried about what everybody else thinks. Just try to do what I feel like is that's for me and what's right.

[Tony Dacopol]

How did you guys meet? Not talking about this? No.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No. Well, damn. I'm not accustomed to seeing somebody tell Belichick what to do, but she's 24 and he's in his 70s, so it is what it is. Cut off. Any questions about how they met? This is the girlfriend that Belichick has been seen with in photos, at events and hanging out on the beach, if y'all recall. Here's my issue. It's consensual. They're both adults. It's none of my business. I ain't got nothing to say about it. But Lord help us all. I have no clue what my nephew is going to say about it. So just. Could you be careful? Could you be careful and just. And just mind your manners?

[Tony Dacopol]

It's just. How do you think they met? Cause if she ain't say it and he don't wanna talk about it, I feel like, look, he. Like he gonna tear his acl. Just do. But I feel like he was like reaching for like prune juice and couldn't. Couldn't get up there. And he seen her in the supermarket walking by while she was getting cereal or something and was like, can you grab that for me? And then they exchanged like that. But I don't see how a 24 year old could find Bill Belichick attractive. No offense, you know, no offense, but.

[Stephen A. Smith]

One could easily argue that's because you're just looking at the physical.

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, she's 24. She is too.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How do you know that?

[Tony Dacopol]

Unless.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I mean, based on what you just said. The point that I'm trying to make to you is that there are situations where there's plenty of women out there who would tell you that there are things far more important than one's physical appearance that matters to them. That's what they would say to you. So rather than ask that question, why don't you sit up there and say, wait a minute. I mean, you know, there's more to a relationship than just looks, and there's more that you got to bring to the table as a man, which Bill Belichick, he's a very, very accomplished individual. And safety, security, you know, taking care of somebody, all that stuff, obviously, you know, they would say that. What do you say to that?

[Tony Dacopol]

Well, I don't blame. I guess I can't really blame her because I do indulge with like, you know, 50 year olds and stuff like that. They cook, you know, they already established they've been through all the toxinity that the young people have to offer.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Toxicity, not toximity.

[Tony Dacopol]

No, I make up some words up here. I got my own. I got my own situation. And the older they are, you know, they found they peace already. Girls under 35, I ain't got time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So let me get this straight. So now suddenly you more interested in the older women?

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, those are the ones I like past day one.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Those are the ones you like past day one. Is the girl in New Jersey older one?

[Tony Dacopol]

Well, she's 39. Once you have two or more kids, that adds like 10, 10 years to you. So she's really like 49.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, we're not gonna. We're not doing that. We're not doing that. We're not doing it. Apologize right now. Apologize for saying that about women. Right there. You apologize right now.

[Tony Dacopol]

What did I say?

[Stephen A. Smith]

You don't. Can't say that ads. How you gonna say that?

[Tony Dacopol]

I'm saying it adds to the situation.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wait, what situation? You say you don't do that.

[Tony Dacopol]

So can I tell you my situation? Let me tell you my situation. So I had a female. She had three kids. Whenever I come over there, one of them always, mom, what do you want? It's after 9:00, go to bed. And it's just like when you gotta deal with that, it's on top of the grief.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So that's what you mean, adding to the situation?

[Tony Dacopol]

Yeah, like, excuse me, what'd you say?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Is your mother watching this episode? Cause I don't know if I can let this air. Cause my sister will kill me for letting this air. Let you say this ignorance.

[Tony Dacopol]

That's another thing too. Just because we older now, our mothers had they fun too. I don't let mommy say too much to me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I will whip your ass right here over this area. You ain't gonna talk about my sister. Now you crossing the line. That's my sister, which is your mama.

[Tony Dacopol]

I got sister.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They don't talk about no fun or whatever. You understand what I'm saying?

[Tony Dacopol]

Listen, I got sisters too. And when you the younger one, you ain't got no control of what they do. You just walk along the side.

[Stephen A. Smith]

She gave birth to you. She took care of you pretty damn well, I might add. Don't make me whip your ass. Don't be disrespectful to my sister.

[Tony Dacopol]

I'm not being disrespectful.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You don't listen to her. And you know she will slap the living black off of you the second she sees you for saying that she.

[Tony Dacopol]

Still had her fun. Don't make me talk about what I.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Saw when I was fun with your father. So the point that I'm trying to make to you is that that's a very respectful thing to do. That's how you got into this world. What are you talking about?

[Tony Dacopol]

We ain't gonna get into the details. I'll get into the details of my family tree on my show. Cause he ain't ready. Tweets.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We gotta get the tweets, man, before we get on that. Come do the tweets with me, man.

[Tony Dacopol]

No craziness, no crazy stuff.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Hurry up. Over here. Over here, man. The other side.

[Tony Dacopol]

Who wins? Fighting. Well, this didn't go too well last time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who wins in a fight? 100 men or a gorilla? I don't even understand this. 100 men fighting a gorilla. Yeah, well, it depends on the men.

[Tony Dacopol]

It depends on. I was about to say, is it 100 men, Stephen A. Or Shannon's?

[Stephen A. Smith]

There we go.

[Tony Dacopol]

There you go. 100. Shannon or the Rock?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Or the Rock. Dwayne Rock Johnson. You know, people like that. Yeah, Goldberg, stuff like that. Yeah, you got that.

[Tony Dacopol]

100 of us, 50 of you and 50 of me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No, no, we ain't got a chance.

[Tony Dacopol]

Wow.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Not a gorilla. No, that ain't gonna happen.

[Tony Dacopol]

100 of me. 100 of me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

First of all, you'd probably run your wuss.

[Tony Dacopol]

It's 100 of us.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Next tweet. Get to the next tweet.

[Tony Dacopol]

All 100.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Gonna run. All right, let's go. All right, Stephen A. Smith. If the Steelers have another losing season or go above average and miss the playoffs under Mike Tomlin, should Mike Tomlin be fired? Because all I see is another Marvin Lewis situation here. What's your thoughts?

[Tony Dacopol]

I've been speaking on coaches being fired all day, so you don't want to ask me. Mike Tomlin's his friend. You know, he got friends in the business. I don't fire him. Good.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Here's what I'm going to say. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game since 2016. The last six playoff games they've played, okay, they've been down by more than 20. I don't have to say he's going to need to be fired, because he will. They basically let him know we need better. But here's what I would say to you. Give him the pieces he needs, and if he doesn't get it, then judge him harshly. Don't judge him harshly when you giving him Mason Rudolph or Skylar Thompson. Don't do that, because you know he can't beat no Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow with that. That's my point. Give him the personnel that he needs and then judge him accordingly. If you're not doing that, then he doesn't deserve to be fired. But I get your point, Elijah. I get that. Let's next tweet what you got. Which team got your highest draft grade? I might have to say the New York Giants. You drafted Carter at number three. You moved up in the draft to get another quarterback, even though it wasn't Shador Sanders, it was Jackson Dart. But still, in all, people are looking at them and they're raving about the Giants draft. So I can't summarily dismiss that. What about you?

[Tony Dacopol]

Well, I don't give none of them a high draft grade. Cause you go four rounds without drafting somebody who had the stats that Shedeur had. I don't believe in the NCAA football system anymore.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Just say the fbs, not the ncaa. This ain't March Madness. Last one political game. What's the meaning of life, Stephen? A.

[Tony Dacopol]

What?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay. There is a difference between being alive and living. When you're living, you're progressive. You don't engage in stagnancy. You don't believe in standing still. There's no such thing as, I'm good, I made it, I'm straight, I ain't got to do anything. You should always have something in your mind, your heart, soul. You listen to this with your lazy ass. Listen to this. Okay. When you got something in your heart, your mind, your soul, and you're constantly moving upward, then that's a little bit different. Which, by the way, I have to give you credit. You've gotten better. You have actually gotten better. There's hope for you. After all. You're not stagnant. You're not standing still. You're not working around looking for your uncle's wallet or another new pair of shades. You understand what I'm saying? You're willing to sacrifice doing without that stuff and working to get it on your own. Which is not something I used to see from you in the past, but I'm very proud I'm seeing it from. From you now. So not standing still. Don't be stagnant. Constant elevation is what you are in pursuit of. That is living. Not just being alive. That's my answer.

[Tony Dacopol]

So I elevated my goat list and I now have Steph Curry being better than Michael Jordan, and let me tell you why. Michael Jordan without Scottie Pippen in the playoffs is.09. Steph Curry without Jimmy Butler is undefeated. And he averages 35, 10 and 9. He's the goat.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Steph Curry was without Jimmy Butler for a game and a half.

[Tony Dacopol]

That's me. That's not a fact that we asked to know and I said what I said Mic drop. Nephewtism.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's it for the show, ladies and gentlemen. Until next time, give him the camera time because he loves it. It's so important to him. Just give it to him.

[Tony Dacopol]

Want to phase out? Oh, I'm right here.

[Josh]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to license vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. It's nostalgia overload as Wilmer Valderrama and Freddie Rodriguez welcome another amigo to their podcast, Dos Amigos. Wilmer's friend and former that 70s show cast member Topher Grace stops by the speakeasy for a two part interview to discuss his career and reminisce about old times.

[Tony Dacopol]

We were still in that place of like, what will this experience become?

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you go, you're having the best time.

[Tony Dacopol]

But it was like such a perfect golden time.

[Josh]

Listen to Dos amigos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.