Stephen A's Take: Real Big. Stephen Jackson saw past our differences to congratulate me on my career. - The Stephen A. Smith Show

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Real Big. Stephen Jackson saw past our differences to congratulate me on my career
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction and Context

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, released on December 17, 2024, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a personal and professional discourse regarding his longstanding relationship with former NBA player and podcaster Stephen Jackson. The episode navigates through past disagreements, mutual respect, and the broader implications of their interactions within the sports media landscape.

2. Stephen Jackson’s Public Praise

The episode begins with Smith addressing a recent comment made by Stephen Jackson on Jackson’s podcast, All the Smoke. At [01:33], Smith reads Jackson’s statement:

Stephen Jackson (All the Smoke Podcast): “Stephen A and I, we disagree on a lot of things, but the respect still remains and I congratulate him on being able to get that money. Go get that money, bro. I'm never being a hater. Get that money. If anybody deserves it from the way he self made, you know Stephen A. deserves it. You ain't got to agree with everything he says to respect him and congratulate him on the success he's had all these years.”

Smith expresses his appreciation for Jackson’s commendation despite their differences, noting the significance of such respect in their personal history.

3. Addressing Past Conflicts

Despite acknowledging Jackson's praise, Smith does not shy away from addressing underlying tensions. He recounts the incident that strained their relationship:

Smith: “I was on national TV and I made it very, very clear I thought Russell Westbrook should be suspended. ... I called the league office ... they didn't suspend him because there wasn't history there ... had it been Draymond Green, they might have suspended him.”

Smith explains that his role as a journalist required him to seek clarity from the NBA regarding Westbrook's ejection, which led to tension when Jackson labeled him a "snitch."

At [04:55], Smith elaborates:

Smith: “... to associate that word with me was highly offensive. And we haven't spoken since.”

He emphasizes the gravity of being called a "snitch" within their community, underscoring the personal and cultural weight of the term.

4. The Russell Westbrook Incident

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the controversial incident involving Russell Westbrook. Smith details his actions and the response from both the NBA and his colleagues:

Smith: “If it were me, I would have suspended them. What I called was to find out their rationale behind not suspending him when you know they would have suspended Draymond Green.”

He clarifies that his intention was not to target Westbrook but to understand the NBA's decision-making process, highlighting his commitment to journalistic integrity despite personal backlash.

5. The Importance of Earning Success

Smith transitions to discussing the value of earning success, rather than it being handed to him. He reflects on his journey from Hollis, Queens to becoming a prominent figure in sports journalism:

Smith: “Whatever whenever we reach an agreement, which we have not yet, it will be earned. Ain't nobody giving me anything. I've earned it.”

He underscores the significance of hard work and perseverance, aiming to inspire listeners by showcasing his ascent through dedication and professionalism.

6. Future Plans and Industry Impact

Teasing future endeavors, Smith hints at major upcoming projects that aim to revolutionize the sports media industry:

Smith: “What I'm aiming to do is gonna rock the foundation of this industry. I'm after big, big, big things and I can't speak on it until it's done. Only a fool would speak on it prematurely. But I'm coming.”

He expresses confidence in his future plans, assuring listeners that these initiatives will have a substantial impact once fully realized.

7. Acknowledging Support and Moving Forward

In concluding his discourse, Smith acknowledges the support from his peers and reiterates his commitment to maintaining respectful relationships despite disagreements:

Smith: “I really appreciate him coming out and saying what he said. It meant a lot to me and I thank him for it, really, sincerely.”

He thanks individuals like Matt Barnes and others who have supported him, affirming that he values their backing as he continues to navigate his career.

8. Final Thoughts

Smith wraps up the episode by reaffirming his dedication to his craft and the values that have guided his professional journey:

Smith: “I will never forget. That's all I'm gonna say about that. For now.”

This succinct closing statement encapsulates his resolve to honor his relationships and achievements while looking forward to future successes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

Stephen A. Smith on Stephen Jackson's Praise:
[01:33] “Stephen A and I, we disagree on a lot of things, but the respect still remains and I congratulate him on being able to get that money. Go get that money, bro. I'm never being a hater.”
Smith on Being Called a Snitch:
[04:50] “... to associate that word with me was highly offensive.”
Smith on His Role as a Journalist:
[05:15] “... doing my job. For that, Stephen Jackson labeled me a snitch without knowing all the facts.”
Smith on Earning Success:
[07:10] “Ain't nobody giving me anything. I've earned it.”
Smith Teasing Future Projects:
[08:30] “I'm after big, big, big things and I can't speak on it until it's done. Only a fool would speak on it prematurely. But I'm coming.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers an in-depth look at Stephen A. Smith's personal and professional dynamics with Stephen Jackson, shedding light on the challenges and respect inherent in their relationship. Through candid discussion, Smith not only addresses past conflicts but also sets the stage for future endeavors that aim to transform the sports media landscape. The episode serves as a testament to Smith's resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his career and community.

Transcript

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Stephen A. Smith (1:04)

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Stephen A. Smith (1:09)

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Stephen A. Smith (1:33)

Let me get to another sports media headline that involves yours truly. Many of you know I've been at ESPN and Disney for nearly 20 years. We've had a good relationship and I've said on many occasions that I will never speak on my contract negotiations because only a fool talks about his negotiations while they're ongoing. I'm not going to start here. However, I do want to acknowledge former NBA player and podcaster Stephen Jackson from All the Smoke, who recently made comments about my ongoing discussions with espn. I want to read to y'all what he said. Check this out. Stephen A and I, we disagree on a lot of things, but the respect still remains and I congratulate him on being able to get that money. Go get that money, bro. I'm never being a hater. Get that money. If anybody deserves it from the way he self made, you know Stephen A. Deserves it. You ain't got to agree with everything he says to respect him and congratulate him on the success he's had all these years, end quote. Now, let me say this. I appreciate Stephen Jackson saying that. I'm not gonna front. I've been pretty pissed at him for a few months and I've been waiting to see him one on one, talk to him man to man, because he and I haven't spoken since he was on his podcast telling his partner Matt Barnes, he don't with me because he called me a snitch for calling the league office to ask why Russell Westbrook was not suspended. To reiterate that point and revisit it for a second, Russell Westbrook was excessively physical with Luka Doncic in the playoffs. Ultimately, a little skill scuffle ensued. Russell Westbrook was ejected from the game. I was on national TV and I made it very, very clear I thought Russell Westbrook should be suspended. I said, had that been Draymond Green, they would have suspended him. Why not suspend Russell Westbrook at that time, before the next game? NBA Countdown was the pregame show. So I was asked by my superiors at ESPN to call the league office to find out why Russell Westbrook, who had been ejected from that game, wasn't suspended for the next game. And the league gave me the explanation. They didn't suspend him because there wasn't history there, number one. Number two, he left the court in a peaceful fashion and there was nothing that ensued thereafter. And number three, it was the playoffs. It wasn't a regular season season game. While admitting to me, had it been Draymond Green, it might have been a different story. So they gave the explanation and I went on the air and I revealed to the audience, I called the league office and that was the explanation. And then Gilly from Wallow and Gilly's podcast went off on social media about me covering, you know, call it a league office. And Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson ultimately said, you know, I don't agree with Stephen A. On that, et cetera, et cetera. The difference was is that Matt Barnes called me up, ultimately came on the show to discuss it with me, and Stephen Jackson didn't respond to my invite for him to do the same. While on Gilly with Gillies, all I said is this. You talk about the NBA I cover. Was my job to call the league Office. I didn't call the league office to get Russell Westbrook suspended. I'd already stayed. If it were me, I would have suspended. Suspended them. What I called was to find out their rationale behind not suspending him when you know they would have suspended Draymond Green. That is all it's called, doing my job. For that, Stephen Jackson labeled me a snitch without knowing all the facts. Never apologized for it or anything like that. And this is a brother that I go back with for years, decades, actually. And I didn't appreciate that. First of all, in our community, we know what being a snitch connotates. That's not some shit you say. And I didn't appreciate that at all. Secondly, especially from somebody that I'm pretty damn cool with. But in the end, I know how to differentiate my issue with him over an incident and my issue with him over character. See, I had a problem with Stephen Jackson not recognizing and remembering where my character stands. There's a lot of shit that I don't say. And anybody that knows me knows I ain't no damn snitch. I don't roll like that. And so for. To kind of, to. To associate that word with me was highly offensive. And we haven't spoken since. Maybe we will, maybe we won't. But having said all of that, I really appreciate him coming out and saying what he said. It meant a lot to me and I thank him for it, really, sincerely. Because I want people to understand, no matter what the deal is, no matter what money it entails, it was earned, not given. Whatever. Whenever we reach an agreement, which we have not yet, it will be earned. Ain't nobody giving me anything. I've earned it. And if I earn it, and I show you how this snot nosed kid from Hollis, Queens, from the streets of Hollis, Queens, New York, ultimately ascends into business. Not as a rap artist, not as an actor or an actress, not as a baller, whether it's football or basketball or something else, but through journalism. And I do that with the advent of podcasts and YouTube shows and channels and all of this other stuff. If I could do it, imagine what doors it'll open for the rest of us. That's where I'm coming from with it. And I can't speak on it, and I'm not going to speak on it. But let me assure you of something. While there is an agreement, you have no idea what the deal is. You have no idea idea rather what it does entail, and you have no idea about how What I'm aiming to do is gonna rock the foundation of this industry. I'm after big, big, big things and I can't speak on it until it's done. Only a fool would speak on it prematurely. But I'm coming. And I appreciate all the support from the Stephen Jacksons. My man Matt Barnes. Can't say enough about that. I love that brother. Can't say enough about him and his support of me, Cam Newton, how he supported Shannon Sharpe, Ryan Clark, SWAGU and all them Kendrick Perkins. List goes on and on and on. I'll speak on it when it's time, but I see everything and to those who have supported me, all I'm gonna say is I will never forget. I will never forget. That's all I'm gonna say about that. For now.