The Stephen A. Smith Show – November 4, 2024
Release Date: November 4, 2024
1. Stephen A. Smith Claps Back at Kevin Durant
Timestamp: [02:12] - [07:46]
Summary: The episode kicks off with Stephen A. Smith addressing a heated exchange between himself and NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Durant publicly criticized Smith for his ongoing commentary about Durant's leadership and professionalism.
Notable Quotes:
- Kevin Durant (@[01:20]): "I've never seen Stephen A. at a practice or film session... He's a clown."
- Stephen A. Smith (@[07:46]): "I think Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players to ever play basketball... But I stand by every damn syllable I uttered about him."
Discussion Highlights: Stephen A. delves into his previous criticisms of Durant, emphasizing Durant's on-court excellence but questioning his ability to inspire and lead his teammates. He defends his commentary by highlighting his extensive media background and presence at various NBA events, which Durant claimed he never attended. The exchange underscores the tension between sports analysts and athletes over public perception and personal branding.
2. Legal Battles Surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs
Timestamp: [38:19] - [56:03]
Summary: Stephen A. shifts focus to the legal troubles of Sean "Diddy" Combs, discussing recent developments where Combs reportedly required party attendees to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). This segment features insights from CNN legal analyst Ellie Honig.
Notable Quotes:
- Stephen A. Smith (@[41:53]): "Don’t mention my family. He's right about that."
- Ellie Honig (@[42:05]): "You cannot avoid testifying in a grand jury... The NDA does not protect Sean Combs in a criminal case."
Discussion Highlights: Ellie Honig explains that while NDAs can prevent individuals from publicly discussing certain details, they do not hinder their ability to testify in criminal proceedings. Smith raises questions about the effectiveness of these NDAs in potentially reducing Combs' prison time, but Honig clarifies that in federal cases, NDAs hold little to no sway. The conversation also touches on additional civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct by Combs, suggesting a possible increase in witnesses against him.
3. Joel Embiid vs. Marcus Hayes: A Locker Room Confrontation
Timestamp: [29:35] - [37:51]
Summary: The show addresses a contentious incident involving Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. Hayes criticized Embiid's conditioning and professional commitment, leading to a physical altercation.
Notable Quotes:
- Marcus Hayes (@[30:02]): "[Quotes from Hayes' column here, paraphrased for brevity.]"
- Joel Embiid (@[30:50]): "I've done way too much for this city..."
- Stephen A. Smith (@[35:26]): "You don't put your hands on anybody... You just don't do that."
Discussion Highlights: Ellie Honig recounts Hayes' disparaging remarks about Embiid, which included personal references to Embiid's deceased brother and son. Embiid confronted Hayes in the locker room, resulting in a physical push, although Embiid maintains he only touched Hayes' shoulder. Smith condemns both parties: he criticizes Hayes for bringing up Embiid's family and acknowledges Embiid's professionalism despite his actions. The segment underscores the fine line between journalistic criticism and personal boundaries in professional sports.
4. Election Day Insights with Jon Favreau
Timestamp: [64:21] - [81:23]
Summary: In anticipation of Election Day, Stephen A. hosts Jon Favreau, former Obama speechwriter and host of "Pod Save America," to discuss the potential outcomes and their implications on American politics and legal landscapes.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Favreau (@[65:32]): "There’s an anti-MAGA coalition... Kamala Harris is a better choice."
- Nate Thompson (@[75:18]): "If you want to quit and you want to give up, that's fine... if you want to work for the future you believe, then you got to keep going."
Discussion Highlights: Favreau provides a detailed analysis of the two primary election scenarios:
- Kamala Harris Wins: Favreau argues that Harris has a solid record as Attorney General of California and presents a vision focused on reducing costs for Americans and protecting reproductive rights. He believes that her administration would counteract the perceived extremism of Trump.
- Donald Trump Wins: Favreau outlines the dire legal consequences Trump could face post-election, including multiple federal and state cases that might lead to imprisonment. He also discusses Trump's potential impact on the Supreme Court and future judicial appointments.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the challenges Harris faces in defining her campaign within a tight timeframe and persuading undecided voters. Thompson emphasizes the importance of continued political engagement regardless of the election outcome to foster change in a divided nation.
5. Drake vs. DeMar DeRozan Feud
Timestamp: [58:02] - [62:55]
Summary: The episode covers a recent spat between rapper Drake and NBA player DeMar DeRozan. Drake publicly threatened to remove DeRozan's jersey if the Toronto Raptors retired it, likely in response to DeRozan's appearance in Kendrick Lamar's diss track "They Not Like Us."
Notable Quotes:
- Drake (@[58:37]): "If you ever put up the DeRozan banner, I'll go up there and pull it down myself."
- DeMar DeRozan (@[59:10]): "He’s going to have a long way to climb to take it down."
Discussion Highlights: Ellie Honig expresses her hope that Drake's remark was made in jest, highlighting DeRozan's respected status in the NBA and his roots in Compton, aligning him with Lamar. Smith and Honig analyze the underlying tensions, connecting them to DeRozan's collaboration with Kendrick Lamar and the broader narrative of loyalty and respect within their communities. The segment underscores the intersection of sports, music, and personal relationships, illustrating how public figures navigate conflicts in the spotlight.
6. Tribute to Quincy Jones
Timestamp: [62:41] - [64:23]
Summary: The show takes a respectful moment to honor the late Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in the music industry known for producing Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album and collaborating with numerous other music legends.
Notable Quotes:
- Stephen A. Smith (@[62:41]): "We have to say that. But Marcus Hayes was wrong."
- Ellie Honig (@[62:55]): "None of us can live forever, but our legacy can."
Discussion Highlights: Ellie Honig reflects on Quincy Jones' immense contributions to music, highlighting his work with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Duke Ellington. She emphasizes Jones' enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the industry, expressing heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.
Conclusion
Throughout this episode, Stephen A. Smith navigates a diverse range of topics, from high-profile sports controversies and legal battles involving celebrities to the imminent outcomes of a crucial election. The inclusion of guest insights from legal analyst Ellie Honig and political strategist Jon Favreau provides depth and expert perspectives on the discussed issues. Notably, the episode balances intense confrontations with moments of tribute and forward-looking political discourse, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging listening experience.
Notable Quotes Overview:
- Stephen A. Smith (@[02:14]): "What's up, everybody?"
- Ellie Honig (@[10:58]): "But you don't do that. Excuse my language."
- Jon Favreau (@[64:21]): "Donald Trump is... more extreme than ever."
Listeners are encouraged to tune in for detailed discussions, expert analyses, and Stephen A.'s unfiltered take on the day's most pressing topics.
Note: All quotes and timestamps are based on the provided transcript and have been paraphrased for clarity and brevity.