Stephen A's Quick Hitters: QBs Jayden Daniels & Lamar Jackson. Dez Bryant on Travis Hunter girlfriend. Trump renaming Mt Denali

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show - Detailed Episode Summary

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Hosts: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

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1. Jayden Daniels Shines for the Washington Commanders

Timestamp: [01:02]

In the opening segment of the episode, Stephen A. Smith delves into the impressive performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. During a pivotal game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels orchestrated a last-minute victory for the Washington Commanders with a decisive nine-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Crowder, securing a final score of 36-33 despite the team turning the ball over five times.

Smith lauds Daniels' prowess, proclaiming, “Daniels is that dude. He can ball.” However, he also credits the team's success to a twist of fate involving Jalen Hurts of the Eagles, who suffered a concussion early in the game. Smith speculates that Hurts’ presence might have altered the game's outcome, stating, “I think if Jalen Hurts is in the lineup instead of Kenny Pickett, they move the ball better, they make things happen.”

Despite acknowledging the questionable circumstances under which the Commanders secured their win, Smith emphasizes Daniels' potential and importance to the team’s future prospects.

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2. Steelers’ Defeat to the Baltimore Ravens and Political Banter

Timestamp: [01:02] – [03:15]

The show transitions to a heated analysis of the Steelers' recent 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith recounts his experience attending the game as a guest of Maryland Governor Wes Moore, highlighting the governor's uncharacteristic fervor for the Ravens. “He was talking, ravens go stomp, y'all. We got this,” Smith remarks, expressing his surprise at Moore’s aggressive support.

Stephen A. emphasizes the Ravens' domination in the game, praising Lamar Jackson for completing 15 out of 23 passes with three touchdowns and Derrick Henry's 162 rushing yards, contributing significantly to the victory. He confidently predicts Baltimore’s supremacy in the AFC North, citing their favorable remaining schedule compared to the Steelers. “Baltimore's going to win the AFC north because the Steelers have the Chiefs and the Bengals to close out the season,” Smith asserts.

Additionally, Smith criticizes the Steelers’ performance issues, including Russell Wilson’s fumble near the goal line and the absence of George Pickens, while commending the Ravens' strategic gameplay. His enthusiasm for the Ravens is palpable as he chants, “Let’s go, Ravens!”

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3. Dez Bryant’s Controversial Comments on Travis Hunter’s Relationship

Timestamp: [03:15] – [12:36]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing the sensitive topic of Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, who has deactivated his Instagram account amidst growing online criticism concerning his relationship with fiancée Leanna Lanae. Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant enters the conversation with a disparaging, albeit now-deleted, tweet targeting Lanae:

“She loves the attention way more than you. She thinks she's an equal to you. I can tell you're a great dude and I promise there's a woman out there who's going to make your life easy and respect you. From what I see, she has nothing to offer but a fucking headache.”

Smith approaches this issue with nuance, emphasizing Bryant's intentions as protective rather than malicious. “DEZ Bryant's heart is in the right place,” he explains, recognizing Bryant’s desire to guide a younger brother navigating public scrutiny. Smith advocates for compassion and understanding, suggesting that both Travis and Leanna deserve privacy and support rather than public vilification.

He criticizes the athletes and public figures who resort to social media attacks, highlighting Shador Sanders’ defense of Travis Hunter and urging respect for personal boundaries. Smith advises, “Your personal life is your personal life. Football is one thing. Your personal life is another.” He underscores the importance of allowing Travis and Leanna to manage their relationship away from the relentless gaze of social media criticism.

Furthermore, Smith commends the decision to deactivate social media accounts, viewing it as a step towards preserving their mental well-being. He poignantly states, “They got it good. They got it good,” reinforcing his belief in their ability to maintain a healthy relationship free from external negativity.

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4. Donald Trump’s Plan to Rename Mount Denali

Timestamp: [12:36] – [13:06]

In the final quick hitter, Stephen A. addresses President-elect Donald Trump's announced intention to revert the name of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, back to Mount McKinley—a name originally bestowed in honor of the 25th President, who was assassinated in 1901. Trump criticizes the 2015 decision by former President Barack Obama to rename the mountain, labeling McKinley as “a great president.”

Smith expresses his perplexity and frustration over the decision, questioning the significance of such a symbolic gesture. “Why bother with something like this? Why?” he rhetorically asks, highlighting what he perceives as a trivial focus amidst more pressing issues. He remains skeptical of Trump’s motives, suggesting economic policies like tariffs might be the actual reason behind the renaming effort, rather than a genuine appreciation for President McKinley's legacy.

Smith defends Obama’s decision, emphasizing the importance of honoring the wishes of Alaskan residents who preferred the name Denali. “Barack Obama made that decision to rename that mountain because the citizens in Alaska wanted it that way,” he asserts, urging Trump to prioritize more consequential matters over symbolic name changes.

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Closing Remarks and Additional Promotions

The episode concludes with brief promotions for upcoming podcasts, including Greg Rosenthal’s collaboration with Daniel Jeremiah on "40s and Free Agents," and Julie Swearbinks’ new show "Energy Line with Nate and jsb," featuring former NHL player Nate Thompson. These segments are excluded from the main content summary as per the instructions to omit advertisements and non-content sections.

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Notable Quotes:

• “Daniels is that dude. He can ball.” – Stephen A. Smith [01:02]
• “Ravens go stomp, y'all. We got this.” – Governor Wes Moore [02:37]
• “Baltimore's going to win the AFC north because the Steelers have the Chiefs and the Bengals to close out the season.” – Stephen A. Smith [03:15]
• “Your personal life is your personal life. Football is one thing. Your personal life is another.” – Stephen A. Smith [12:36]
• “Why bother with something like this? Why?” – Stephen A. Smith [12:36]

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This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a comprehensive analysis of recent NFL highlights, media controversies, and political movements with Stephen A. Smith’s signature blend of candor and insight. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or someone interested in societal issues, Smith delivers content that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker]

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 [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report what's up everyone?

[Greg Rosenthal]

It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Unknown Speaker]

Now let's get to some quick hitters. Jaden Daniels, that's quick hitter number one takes us to Washington D.C. where Daniels came up clutch for the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie quarterback snatch victory from the Georgia defeat late in the game with a nine yard touchdown pass to Jameson Crowder. The Commanders won 36:33 despite turning the ball over five times. Jada Davis was the best player in football this weekend. He was absolutely sensational, but he got helped by Jalen Hurts catching a concussion because the Philadelphia Eagles were initially up 217 before they got outscored 2912 the rest of the way. I think if Jalen Hurts is in the lineup instead of Kenny Pickett, they move the ball better, they make things happen. And as a result, Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders wouldn't have been in a position to win this game. But give them credit where credit is due. Daniels is that dude. He can ball. But I think the Philadelphia Eagles would have been better if Jalen Hurts hadn't gotten hurt and I don't think the Commanders would have won that game. We'll stay in the Beltway for a quick hit of number two on Saturday night. I was on hand to watch Steelers fall to the Baltimore Ravens 34 to 17 in Baltimore. By the way, I was a guest of Maryland Governor Westmore who talked smack to me the entire damn game. I couldn't believe a governor talked like that, you know? I mean, look at this video right here, man. The Guy was torturing me. I mean, he was talking to me all Saturday afternoon. He was talking, ravens go stomp, y'all. We got this. And my goodness, this man was. This man was slapping high fives, kissing babies, doing all the things that a politician do. And in the midst of all of that, turning around to talk smack to me about what the Ravens gonna do to the Steelers. And then Russell Wilson and the Steelers let him do it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Hey, Marilyn, look who we got in the bank. We got Stephen A. In the face. We got Stephen A. And listen, he knows. This is Maryland, this is Baltimore. This is Raven town right here, y'all. This is Raven Town right here. Let's see, what's the answer? God, let us trouble now. I love Maryland. I love the government. I love the job of these Georgia. But that don't mean y'all are winning today. I just want to be clear about that. Y'all in a little bit of trouble right now. That's all. I. Lamar Jackson, Terrence Henry, big ass in the. Let's go, Raven. Let's go, Ravens.

[Unknown Speaker]

First of all, that's a dedicated politician right there, because, ladies and gentlemen, it was about five degrees out there. That's how I felt. It was freezing. It's freezing. I ain't prepared for that kind of cold no more, right. I like warm temperatures. I like to feel warm and cozy and cuddly inside. All right? I ain't trying to be out there freezing. It was cold as hell. Let's get that out the way for. He got on a baseball cap, you know, chilling, you understand? He was beefed up and over. He got on a baseball cap, doing his thing. But I was very, very happy to spend time with the governor. He's a great guy. I think he's got a chance to be president in 2028. Look at the job that he's doing in Maryland. Look at the job Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore, is doing in Baltimore, Maryland. I can't say enough about them brothers. I spent time with both of them Saturday. It was an absolute honor and pleasure to be with the both of them. Even though the governor, he really talks a lot of stuff. He really, really. I mean, this brother talked a lot of stuff. Steelers got to get him. They got to get him back. That damn. Russell Wilson fumbled in the three yard line. Oh, I was ticked off. Okay. And they didn't have my man George Pickens out there. That was problematic as well. Okay. All right. And Russell Wilson threw a pick six. Let's not forget that. But in the end, the Story was Lamar Jackson, who beat the Steelers, completed 15 to 23 passes, three touchdowns, and of course, Derrick Henry, who ran all over Pittsburgh for 162 yards. It is what it is. Baltimore's going to win the AFC north because the Steelers have the Chiefs and the Bengals to close out the season. Baltimore has Houston and Cleveland. I mean, damn, they got it good. They got it good. Let me get to my next one. Quick hit of number three. This takes us to social media and Travis Hunter for a far more serious subject. The Osmond Trophy winner deactivated his Instagram account as online criticism continues about his relationship with his fiance, Leanna Lanae. One notable post came from former Dallas Cowboys wideout DEZ Bryant. In a since deleted tweet, this is what DEZ wrote. Quote, she talked all that shit about you saying she was going to address the situation once, but kept talking about it. She loves the attention way more than you. She thinks she's an equal to you. I can tell you're a great dude and I promise there's a woman out there who's going to make your life easy and respect you. From what I see, she has nothing to offer but a fucking headache. End quote. This is tricky and this is not. It's gonna be a little bit more than a quick hitter. Let me tell you why. DEZ Bryant's heart is in the right place. Let's get that out the way. He's an older brother looking at a younger brother potentially in a dicey kind of situation. His future being bright won every major award you can imagine, including the Heisman. Sky's the limit. Future millions coming down the pike. And dez, a former star football player for the Dallas Cowboys, is simply looking at the brother and saying and doing what he can to help give him guidance. I'm not here to throw any shade on DEZ Bryant. His heart was in the right place, but it doesn't mean that the situation doesn't require compassion. If I were DEZ or me talking to DEZ hear is what I would have preferred. He did called her out respectfully by saying, where's the love? Stop thinking about just you and look out for him. You're choosing to be in the public eye because you're on social media. This brother is in the public eye because he plays on the football field as one of the elite performers out there and his career is about to take off. Look out for him. That's not to say that she did anything intentionally to go the other way. I don't believe that about Leona one second. And I don't want to hear anything about anything that she may have done years ago. She's a young lady. Come on, y'all. You understand what I'm saying? She ain't some seasoned grown woman who's experienced and living her life and, you know, manipulating things. She's a young lady. Mistakes happen. So I'm not here to criticize her. Certainly not here to criticize Travis Hunter. I. I support Shador Sanders coming to the defense of his teammate, you know, and clapping back at everybody. This is Shador Sanders. Tweet all y'all athletes, entertainers, artists, et cetera. If y'all genuinely trying to holler at Trav, y'all know how to get in touch with him or someone around at this point. Y'all just posted for the algorithm, trying to look cool. Shador Sanders is right. Travis Hunter plays for Primetime Deion Sanders. They ain't an athlete or an entertainer in this country that don't know how to get in touch with Primetime Deion Sanders. And you could get to Travis Hunter. You don't have to sit up there and blast him out on social media. He's a young man. Des, me, everybody else included. When we were their age, what kind of mistakes did we make? What kind of mistakes were we prone to? Let's have some compassion. When it comes to trying to look out, our hearts are in the right place. Here's what I would tell you if you, Travis Hunter and Leanna Linae, I applaud the fact that you canceled your social media accounts because you're not built for it. See, Travis Hunter could take criticism about his play on the football field. What he can't take is the cynicism thrown in the direction of his lady, who's taking a lot of heat. She clearly can't take it because she was on social media about to break down and cry, and he can't take what she's experiencing. So the fact that y'all close down your social media account is a good thing. You know why? Because it will remind you that you never needed to be on it to that degree in the first place. Your personal life is your personal life. Football is one thing. Your personal life is another. And that applies to her, too. You ain't got to have everybody know you. He knows you. You don't have to have everybody loving you. He loves you. You don't have to have everybody caring about you and your well being. He does. And as long as y'all got each other and you keep your business to yourself, and people won't have much to say. And even if they did, it won't matter because they don't know. Because you didn't let them know. Please remember that. Pretty please. With sugar on top, one final quick hitter takes us to Alaska, where President elect Donald Trump is expected to reverse a decision from President Obama to rename Denali North America's tallest mountain. Trump says he'll restore the original name of Mount McKinley, named after the 25th president who was assassinated in 1901. Trump said, quote, they took his name off Mount McKinley. He was a great president, end quote. Former President Barack Obama renamed the mountain as Denali in 2015, siding with residents of Alaska after a decades long naming battle. See, this is another thing that bothers me about Trump. Why bother with something like this? Why? So you really, really care about the naming of a mountain? Donald Trump, Really? Now, President McKinley, God rest his soul, like you pointed out, was assassinated. Reports said that he hadn't even visited Alaska. Why was he such a figure for Donald Trump? Because he was big on tariffs and tariffs giving the U.S. economy an economic boom. Could that be the reason why? If it is Donald Trump, say so as opposed to it looking like you're just interested in doing anything to reverse any decision that Barack Obama made. Barack Obama made that decision to rename that mountain because the citizens in Alaska wanted it that way and he didn't see any harm in doing so because they know their history better than anybody and that's what they preferred. If you're going to change it back, great president, tell us why he was about tariffs. I'm about tariffs. Is that a reason to change the name of a mountain? I'm just asking. These are the kind of things I worry about with Donald Trump, because any little thing you're going at for what? Save your swings for the things that really, really, really matter. That's my suggestion. That's what I'm concerned. Foreign.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What'S up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Unknown Speaker]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Unknown Speaker]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swearbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Unknown Speaker]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.