Stephen A's Take Only: Hear my reaction/comments to Jaylen Brown's one-on-one interview..

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Release Date: October 25, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the recent one-on-one interview with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Exploring themes of marketability, media relations, and athlete activism, Smith provides his unfiltered perspective on Brown's current standing in the NBA and beyond.

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Celtics Season Opener: A Dominant Performance

The episode opens with Stephen A. recapping the Celtics' impressive season opener against the New York Knicks. Highlighting the team's offensive prowess, he notes:

“Boston shot the lights out against the Knicks, time at NBA record with 29 three-pointers made in the game, shooting about 64% from beyond the arc” (02:41).

Key Players Spotlight:

• Jason Tatum: Dropped 37 points with an efficient 8-for-11 from three-point range.
• Jaylen Brown: Contributed 23 points, solidifying his position as a potential league MVP contender.

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Jaylen Brown's Interview: Addressing Marketability and Omission from Olympic Team

Stephen A. shifts focus to his recent interview with Jaylen Brown, where several critical topics were discussed, including Brown's exclusion from the Olympic team and perceptions of his marketability.

Jaylen Brown's Concerns: Brown expressed frustration over an unnamed source criticizing his marketability, stating:

“I think it's cowardice. ... I walk with God. I'm going to be me and stand with my community in this life and the next. And that's my journalistic integrity” (04:03).

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Response to Criticism: Stephen A. Defends Jaylen Brown

Addressing the backlash from figures like Gilbert Arenas, Stephen A. defends Brown's integrity and marketability. He emphasizes Brown's stellar performance and principled stance despite limited endorsement deals.

Notable Points:

• Endorsement Disparity: Despite averaging 23 points per game over three years and being a former Conference Finals MVP, Brown lacks the plethora of endorsements that teammate Jason Tatum enjoys.
• Historical Comparisons: Smith draws parallels between Brown and legendary figures like Bill Russell and Muhammad Ali, highlighting how true greatness often isn't immediately recognized or rewarded by the market.

“Jaylen Brown is a brilliant brother... Why is that? Why are y'all not talking about that?” (11:52)

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Gilbert Arenas' Podcast Commentary

The episode takes a turn as Stephen A. addresses comments made by Gilbert Arenas on his podcast, where Arenas criticizes Stephen A.'s journalistic methods and sources.

Arenas' Critique: Arenas questions the reliability of Stephen A.'s sources, suggesting:

“If somebody like Woj tells you who's giving you the information, that means he's not important anymore... You do not acquire information” (06:41).

Stephen A.'s Rebuttal: In response, Stephen A. clarifies his stance on journalistic integrity and the necessity of sourced material. He reiterates his respect for Arenas while firmly standing by his methods:

“I found nothing offensive about what Gilbert Arenas said... Need to take lessons... We want to talk basketball, let's talk basketball. But this is my lane” (06:43).

He further criticizes the reliance on unnamed sources, emphasizing transparency and accountability in journalism:

“Every podcast, every report and all of that. Y'all can all lament it. Get the hell over it... How do we know this? Do you watch politics?... It took place long before Stephen A. Smith came along, and it's gonna be here long after I'm gone” (07:25).

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Final Thoughts: Upholding Integrity and Supporting Jaylen Brown

Towards the episode's conclusion, Stephen A. reaffirms his unwavering support for Jaylen Brown, celebrating his athletic achievements and principled stance despite systemic challenges.

Key Affirmations:

• Athletic Excellence: Brown is lauded as a "brilliant brother" and a "champion" whose contributions extend beyond the court.
• Systemic Challenges: Smith acknowledges the additional hurdles faced by outspoken Black athletes in securing endorsements and marketability.

“Jaylen Brown... this principled, authentic, beautiful brother of ours, he's not being celebrated. And we're surprised. You ain't surprised, Gil. Y'all ain't surprised” (09:05).

Closing Remarks: Stephen A. expresses enthusiasm for future discussions with Gilbert Arenas and other critics, emphasizing a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue while maintaining his journalistic integrity.

“I can't wait to have a discussion with them... We want to talk basketball, let's talk basketball... Ain't nobody hiding Kenya Martin... We don't run from that here on the Stephen A. Smith Show” (10:30).

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Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a thorough examination of Jaylen Brown's current standing in the NBA, addressing both his on-court achievements and off-court challenges. Stephen A.'s passionate defense of Brown's integrity and marketability provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on the intersection of sports, media, and societal expectations.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I think it's cowardice... And that's my journalistic integrity." — Jaylen Brown (04:03)
• "Jaylen Brown is a brilliant brother... Why is that? Why are y'all not talking about that?" — Stephen A. Smith (11:52)
• "If somebody like Woj tells you who's giving you the information, that means he's not important anymore... You do not acquire information." — Gilbert Arenas (06:41)
• "We don't run from that here on the Stephen A. Smith Show... Ain't nobody hiding Kenyon Martin." — Stephen A. Smith (10:30)

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For those interested in the full conversation and more in-depth analysis, tuning into The Stephen A. Smith Show on iHeartPodcasts is highly recommended.

Transcript

[Stephen A. Smith]

Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need.

[Hunter]

Like 24.7claims, I'm on cloud nine.

[Gilbert Arenas]

Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What's happening?

[Gilbert Arenas]

Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind, as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle 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, we'll 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 podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swerbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

Julius picked well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

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

[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. Stories like Erica Hunt, a young mother vanished without a trace after a family gathering on 4th of July weekend, 2016. No goodbyes, no clues, just gone. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Gilbert Arenas]

45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished The Edge of Daybreak.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album, Listen.

[Gilbert Arenas]

To Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Celtics opened the season getting their rings and raising their championship banner banner number 18, by the way. They then proceeded to obliterate and beat the living shit out of my New York Knicks, 132 to 109. Boston shot the lights out against the knicks time at NBA record with 29. Three pointers made in the game shot about 64% of their shots from three. The Celtics were led by their two superstars and Jason Tatum who dropped 37 and of course Jaylen Brown who dropped 23. I think Jason Tatum dropped about 11 or 14 from the field, 8 of 11 from three point range. He's actually my pick to be league MVP this year. Earlier this week though, is the subject that I need to get to because I got a chance to sit down with Jaylen Brown to discuss a number of topics, including his omission from the Olympic team and sources telling me he's an unmarketable player. Obviously this was a subject that was resonating throughout the playoffs and Jaylen Brown and I finally had that face to face sit down where he got an opportunity to get a couple of things off of his chest. Listen to what he had to say to me face to face. You already saw it the other day, but before I respond, listen to what he had to say.

[Nate Thompson]

Again, I wore this shirt, but honestly, I know just because of your credentials that you never gonna reveal sources because you abide by something called journalistic integrity.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right.

[Nate Thompson]

But hear me out.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Sure.

[Nate Thompson]

A couple months back on your platform, you recited an unnamed source who I felt like attacked my character. One, I didn't really get a chance to defend myself and two, you know, the damage kind of already is done. And I think journalistic integrity goes two ways.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Nate Thompson]

So for me, I think a lot of people were upset and as was I, because I understand journalistic integrity and I understand how that works. But I also understand the idea of normal integrity as well. And I also want to maintain and protect that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Sure.

[Nate Thompson]

But honestly, I couldn't wait to address this unnamed source. Right. I know they probably will be watching this because people like that are always watching. And I basically wanted to say to them that I think it's cowardice. I think historically unnamed sources have attacked some of our greats and I. We are not responsible for what they lack in design. Frankly, they can call all their buddies. They, they they pals and, you know, friends from all over the world, all the unnamed sources. And they can shove it where they got it from, whether they think they I'm marketable or not. I walk with God. I'm going to be me and stand with my community in this life and the next. And that's my journalistic integrity.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Before I respond to that, I wanted to play you guys a clip of Gill's arena, Gilbert Arenas's podcast. I mean, he's on there with Rashad McCants and former NBA players Rashad McKenzie, Kenyon Martin and others. And before I responded, they obviously had something to say and were obviously somewhat critical in regards to what Jaylen Brown was alluding to. Let's hear what they had to say before I comment. Like when you break down their job, the Woj is and all of them, what do they rely on? All their information about the sport, unnamed source has to come from somebody else because they've never done it right. So if someone like Woj tells you who's giving you the information, that means he's not important anymore. Cuz you just go, you're not important. You're a vessel for information. You're a preacher, not God.

[Nate Thompson]

Wow. Wow.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That was Gilbert Arenas. Listen, first of all, for those out there, because the headline was like, Gilbert Arenas rips into Stephen A. Smith or whatever, first things first. You know, in the age of click bait and stuff like that, headlines can be very, very deceiving. And we know people who are usually devoid of content and they try to use headlines in order to gain an audience. It's amateur night. There's levels to this. And folks who use headlines to get clips as opposed to the actual content. You lead a lot to be desired. Instead of coming at me, you need to take lessons. I'm not talking, however, about Gilbert Arenas and his podcast. I'm only talking about those of you out there. Reason I bring that up is I found nothing offensive about what Gilbert Arenas said. 0. Gilbert Arenas and I talk all the time. Got nothing but love for the brother, even when he disagrees. And by the way, I'm looking forward to going on this podcast in the future because you know, Rashad McCants has had a few things to say about me. I'm down for it. Ain't nobody hiding Kenya Martin. They disagree with me. I can't wait to have a discussion with them. We want to talk basketball, let's talk basketball. But this is my lane. When you talk about journalism, this is not open for debate. You don't get information if you can't use sourced material. Now, Gilbert Arenas can lament that. Rashad McCants and Kenyon Martin and the rest of the crew, they can lament that. Every podcast, every report and all of that. Y'all can all lament it. Get the hell over it. It doesn't happen. You do not acquire information. If everybody that you get the information from has to come on camera, on the microphone, on audio, and reveal who they are and give their opinions, nine times out of 10, somebody. Nobody is going to tell you a damn thing. How do we know this? Do you watch politics? Do you watch them? Covering the. Covering the financial sector in Wall Street. How about Hollywood? And, of course, sports. I couldn't shine y'all damn shoes as a basketball player. Y'all are all former NBA players. Gilbert and the whole crew, y'all bald. I'm lying. Y'all ain't never talked to nobody. Off the record, I'm looking at y'all. I mean, I'm talking to everybody that thinks like that. But I'm just directing you directly. Ain't never done that ever, ever. You never said to a single soul, yo, bro, off the record, yo, bro, between me and you, yo, don't quote me on this. That ain't never happen. Never. Ain't happened in the locker room with players. It ain't happen with the coach when he talking to the media. It ain't happen with the front office. It ain't happen with owners. Shit like this happens all the time in every single profession. I'm not saying you not. I'm not saying you wrong to complain about it. Just know you whistling into the wind. It took place long before Stephen A. Smith came along, and it's gonna be here long after I'm gone. That's a fact. So Jaylen Brown coming out and complaining about the source. He has every right to it was talking about him. But that doesn't negate the fact that the source, while not being critical of him, purse meaning the source, felt that way, along with the three people who called me afterward to confirm that what the source was saying, in their eyes, was true, even though it might have been negative about Jaylen Brown. I'm going to repeat, they were not personally being negative about Jaylen Brown. So let's paint this picture, Gil. Let's paint this picture. McCants. Let's paint this picture Gill's Arena. Y'all doing a hell of a job, by the way. Let me get that out the way. Love y'all, but let's get this shit out the way. Let's, let's, let, let's talk about it. Jalen Brown is a brilliant brother.

[Nate Thompson]

Who.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Is a former Conference Finals MVP, last year's Conference Finals MVP, NBA Finals MVP, a champion who has averaged at least 23 points a game over the last three years. There's no sneaker deal, there's no abundance of endorsements that have come his way. And most importantly, his teammate who he helped and some would say he outplayed in Jason Tatum, who I also love, is the one with all the endorsements. Why is that? Why are y'all not talking about that? How this highly intelligent, principled, unwavering, great basketball player and champion doesn't have Madison Avenue kicking down his door with endorsements? Why is that? Didn't he say his icons, the Bill Russell's of the world, the Muhammad Ali's of the world, what happened with them? They celebrated Bill Russell more so when he retired than when he was playing. They didn't start celebrating Muhammad Ali until he came down with Parkinson's and his health was compromised and he couldn't really speak up and out for himself and against the system the way that he was when he was fighting and he was an instrumental activist and civic figure. They didn't celebrate him then. He was a pariah. They want to go after him. Times are different. Jaylen Brown's got a different personality, but his core beliefs, his principles, the manhood upon which he stands, this principled, authentic, beautiful brother of ours, he's not being celebrated. And we're surprised. You ain't surprised, Gil. Y'all ain't surprised. None of us are surprised. Because when you black and you a black man and you outspoken and you stand on yours and you're highly successful and you're not one that's easily capitulating and what have you, lots of times the road is harder for you. That's what the source was telling me. That's what they were talking about when they said he wasn't liked. They didn't say by his teammates, they didn't say by his organization, they didn't say by his contemporaries. They said and were alluding to the system. Y'all don't get that. That's hard to understand. You know better. Listen to Gilbert Arenas talk basketball. It's beautiful to listen to the brother knows what he's talking about. Listen to him talk about life and you embrace his intellectual. Listen to the rest of y'all. And when you get your emotions out of the way and you just talk bare bone facts, y'all pretty damn Brilliant. Y'all selves, stop the shit. Come on, y'all. We know. We all know what they were saying about Jaylen Brown. And if you go back and you watch my interview right there on the Stephen A. Smith show this past Monday that's been airing over the last couple of days, you will see Jaylen Brown confirm exactly what the hell I. I said. Yo, they might feel about me, but I ain't changing. I stand with God. He didn't say they were wrong about what they were saying. He was saying they were wrong to feel that way, whoever they may be. But the source wasn't the one saying he felt that way. The source was saying. And the three people who called me afterwards were saying, yo, the source is right about what they think about Jalen Brown. That's the truth. We don't run from that here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. We ain't doing that. Love you, Gil. Appreciate the text, bro. Appreciate the brilliance. Appreciate the success of your podcast. Keep doing what you're doing. And I don't mind disagreeing at all. I took no offense whatsoever to what Gilbert Arenas has had to say. Zero. I get what his point is. He has his, I have mine. Rashad McCants. Yeah, we'll talk, bro. I can't wait. I can't wait for that conversation. I. I can't wait. I got a busy schedule. But I swear, the second I get an invite, the second I have time, are we gonna have those conversations? You want real talk? Gill's arena ain't the only place to get it. It's always been right here too. Ain't going nowhere. I can't wait. I can't wait. It's truck month with the Ford crew.

[Gilbert Arenas]

Sam. Do you know what these trucks have in common?

[Stephen A. Smith]

They are all Ford Ford trucks.

[Gilbert Arenas]

And.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And they're built Ford tough.

[Gilbert Arenas]

Also true. But specifically, they're Ford F series trucks. The best selling trucks in America for 48 years.

[Stephen A. Smith]

48 years. We should celebrate. A month long event, Sam. A truckload of value across the entire lineup of Ford trucks. Sam, that's called truck month already, isn't it? Yeah, it is. Wow.

[Gilbert Arenas]

I knew it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Based on 1977-2024 CY industry report in total sales.

[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 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. We'll 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 Swerbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swerbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swerbinks]

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

[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. Stories like Erica Hunt, a young mother vanished without a trace after a family gathering on 4th of July weekend 2016. No goodbyes, no clues, just gone. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Gilbert Arenas]

45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The Edge of Daybreak, Hours of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Gilbert Arenas]

Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.