The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode: Stephen A Responds to Trump's DEI Bans & Carmelo Responds to Pippen's GOAT Talk
Release Date: January 27, 2025

Super Bowl 59: Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills

Stephen A. Smith opens the episode by providing an in-depth analysis of Super Bowl 59, focusing on the AFC Championship where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills with a close score of 32-29. He highlights the Chiefs' historic achievement as the first back-to-back champions to return to the Super Bowl. Emphasizing the Chiefs' dominance, Smith remarks:

"Kansas City just finds a way to win. They've won nine straight playoff games. Seven have been by one score. This team just knows what to do and how to get it done." [02:15]

Smith expresses sympathy for Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes and believes that Bills' quarterback Josh Allen consistently falls short against the Chiefs despite his talents. He critiques the officiating in the decisive moments of the game, suggesting that Buffalo was on the verge of potentially altering the outcome. Smith sums up his perspective on Josh Allen:

"He's great, he's fantastic. He just ain't Patrick Mahomes. It's really that simple." [03:45]

Conversation with Josh Allen

In a light-hearted segment, Smith brings his nephew Josh Allen, an avid Chiefs fan, into the discussion. The interaction is both playful and critical, poking fun at Allen's newfound affinity for the Chiefs. Smith challenges Josh on his sudden support for Kansas City, leading to a humorous exchange about buffalo rivalries and team loyalties.

Josh attempts to defend the Bills' performance, but Smith remains steadfast in his assessment that the Chiefs outperform the Bills every time. Their banter reaches a peak when Josh admits:

"I'm all about being a better Josh, so I really can't have him win a whole Super Bowl." [06:15]

Interview with Rob Lowe: From Wildfires to Hollywood Shifts

Rob Lowe, a multi-talented actor and producer, joins Smith to discuss several pressing issues:

California Wildfires and Policy Failures

Lowe delves into the catastrophic wildfires in California, critiquing the state's diminished infrastructure and policy shortcomings. He points out the absence of fire roads that once helped mitigate wildfire spread:

"They haven't cut fire roads into the mountains and you'd have to ask the policymakers, but they're not there anymore... the culture of decision making around forestry... they've screwed it up 100%." [14:37]

Lowe attributes the severity of recent wildfires to negligence in maintaining essential fire management infrastructure and inadequate law enforcement resources to combat hazards like unauthorized fireworks:

"City council... would say, 'you're not a high crime area and our resources are limited.'... New Year's Eve there was. The fireworks were set off again. It lit off a brush fire of about an acre." [16:08]

Hollywood's Migration and Economic Impact

Discussing the shift of film and television productions away from Hollywood, Lowe expresses frustration over productions choosing cheaper overseas locations like Ireland over retaining them in California:

"It's outrageous... We do that better than anybody in the world. You do still." [21:14]

He criticizes the decision-making that sidelines Hollywood despite its status as America's premier entertainment hub, highlighting economic implications and loss of jobs:

"Where do we do it? Hollywood. Not anymore. It's Vancouver, it's Budapest, it's Ireland, it's New Mexico, it's Toronto... That's criminal." [21:37]

Sports Sector Insights: Lakers and Dodgers

Lowe turns the conversation to sports, commending the Los Angeles Lakers for their current performance and strategy centered around Anthony Davis:

"They need to take a page from my Dodgers and go out and get the best in class." [23:24]

In discussing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lowe praises their financial prowess and strategic acquisitions, contrasting them with other teams struggling financially:

"Why are they not doing it? The Orioles could be doing it... I feel like we're working our way to a lockout or something, because at some point, it will be untenable." [24:02]

Lowe anticipates potential labor disputes due to financial imbalances in Major League Baseball, underscoring the Dodgers' forward-thinking approach:

"The Players association is not going to want that. Obviously, they would get the people paid." [24:29]

Political Commentary: Trump's DEI Bans and Secretary of Defense Confirmation

Stephen A. Smith shifts gears to discuss Donald Trump's recent actions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

DEI Initiatives and Historical Erasure

Smith criticizes Trump's ban on DEI programs, linking it to the erasure of significant historical narratives like that of the Tuskegee Airmen. He expresses concern over the Air Force removing educational content about these pioneering African American pilots from basic training:

"President Trump's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI initiatives, nearly erased their story from being taught to new trainees in the military." [34:34]

Smith argues that eliminating DEI undermines the historical struggles for civil rights and equality, emphasizing the importance of remembering past injustices to foster genuine progress.

Confirmation of Pete Hegseth

Addressing Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Secretary of Defense, Smith acknowledges the bipartisan opposition and the allegations against Hegseth, including sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement. However, he defends the confirmation by highlighting Hegseth's military background and loyalty to Trump:

"His service to our country cannot be denied. We should feel that way about any of our soldiers who serve honorably." [17:14]

Smith contends that political standards have lowered, comparing Hegseth's situation to previous political figures who faced similar allegations without significant repercussions.

Scottie Pippen’s Comments and Carmelo Anthony’s Response: The GOAT Debate

In a heated segment, Scottie Pippen voices controversial opinions about Michael Jordan and the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate in the NBA. Pippen dismisses both LeBron James and Michael Jordan as GOATs, elevating Magic Johnson instead. This sparks a robust response from Carmelo Anthony.

Scottie Pippen’s Stance

Pippen asserts:

"Neither one of them are goats. Magic Johnson, to me, is a bigger goat than anybody..." [55:35]

His remarks challenge the longstanding consensus in basketball circles, positioning Magic Johnson above both Jordan and James due to his leadership and versatility.

Carmelo Anthony’s Defense of Jordan

Carmelo Anthony vehemently opposes Pippen's statements, emphasizing the unparalleled impact of Michael Jordan:

"You can't do this every time, though Scotty. You can't do this every time... Like, leave that alone, Scotty... Like, nobody's around, nobody." [57:21]

Anthony highlights the collective success achieved alongside Jordan, defending his legacy against Pippen's claims.

Concluding Remarks and Audience Engagement

Smith wraps up the episode by reinforcing his stance on the GOAT debate, criticizing Pippen's bitterness and reaffirming Michael Jordan's superiority in the conversation. He brings in Josh Allen once more to challenge his opinions, leading to a spirited exchange where Allen questions the hypothetical scenarios presented by Smith. The segment underscores Smith's unwavering support for Jordan and his skepticism towards alternative GOAT candidates.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith on Chiefs' Dominance:
  "Kansas City just finds a way to win. They've won nine straight playoff games. Seven have been by one score." [02:15]

• Smith on Josh Allen vs. Mahomes:
  "He's great, he's fantastic. He just ain't Patrick Mahomes. It's really that simple." [03:45]

• Rob Lowe on California Wildfires:
  "They haven't cut fire roads into the mountains and you'd have to ask the policymakers, but they're not there anymore." [14:37]

• Smith on DEI Annulment:
  "President Trump's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI initiatives, nearly erased their story from being taught to new trainees in the military." [34:34]

• Carmelo Anthony on the GOAT Debate:
  "You can't do this every time, though Scotty. You can't do this every time..." [57:21]

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a multifaceted exploration of sports analysis, political commentary, and heated debates within the basketball community. From dissecting Super Bowl performances and critiquing NFL quarterbacks to evaluating the impact of political decisions on military training and engaging in the GOAT debate, Smith delivers his characteristic blend of passion and insight. The inclusion of guests like Rob Lowe adds depth to discussions on environmental policies and the entertainment industry's challenges, while interactions with figures like Josh Allen and responses to Scottie Pippen's statements keep the dialogue dynamic and engaging.