Stephen A's Take: Stephen A's thoughts on Drake’s broadcasting ban by the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

Summary

Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode: Stephen A's Take on Drake’s Broadcasting Ban by the NBA’s Toronto Raptors

Release Date: January 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the controversy surrounding Drake’s recent broadcasting ban imposed by the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. The discussion centers on Drake’s contentious remarks about former Raptors star DeMar DeRozan, the repercussions of his statements, and the broader implications for Drake’s reputation and relationship with the Raptors organization.

1. Introduction to the Controversy

At the outset of the episode, Stephen A. Smith sets the stage by outlining the recent developments involving Drake, a prominent figure in both the music and sports worlds. He highlights that this marks the second major incident involving Drake making headlines within the same week, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

[01:06] Stephen A. Smith: "Now I want to talk about Drake, who for the second time this week is making headlines."

2. Background on Drake's Remarks

Stephen A. provides context regarding Drake’s remarks that led to his broadcasting ban. He references an incident from November when Drake, during a live broadcast, publicly insulted DeMar DeRozan by calling him a "goof." This derogatory comment has triggered significant backlash, prompting the Raptors to impose a one-year ban on Drake from commenting on their games.

[02:05] Stephen A. Smith: "Tonight's broadcast, Drake said, if you ever put up the rose and Venera, I'll go up there and put it down myself."

3. Detailed Analysis of the Incident

The discussion intensifies as Stephen A. scrutinizes Drake’s comments and their implications. He argues that Drake’s reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s song "Not Like Us" was disproportionate and uncharacteristic of someone of Drake’s stature.

[04:15] Stephen A. Smith: "When you're as great as Drake is, why can't you do that? But this DeMar DeRozan thing took it a bit too far."

Stephen A. contrasts Drake’s handling of criticism with that of Kendrick Lamar, suggesting that Kendrick would either stand down or respond more effectively rather than escalating tensions. He questions Drake’s decision to publicly insult a respected athlete, emphasizing that DeMar DeRozan has been an exemplary player for the Raptors, averaging over 20 points per game over 12 years.

[05:30] Stephen A. Smith: "DeMar DeRozan hasn't averaged less than 20 points a game in the last 12 years of his NBA career. DeMar DeRozan, his crime is one crime and one crime only. He could not beat LeBron James."

4. Raptors’ Response and Its Timing

Stephen A. scrutinizes the Raptors’ decision to impose the ban, pointing out the timing of their response. He finds it puzzling that the organization is addressing the issue now, months after the initial remarks were made.

[06:10] Stephen A. Smith: "I don't know why the hell the Raptors are coming out now talking about Drake being banned from commenting for a year."

5. Impact on Drake’s Reputation

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the potential damage to Drake’s reputation. Stephen A. posits that Drake’s public outburst has portrayed him in a negative light, suggesting a decline in his public image.

[06:45] Stephen A. Smith: "You too great for this. You too great to be in the news for this kind of stuff, man. Too much you bring to the table, bro. Come on, man. Come on."

He further elaborates that Drake’s inability to handle criticism gracefully has made him appear "soft" and reactive, diminishing the respect he commands in both the music and sports arenas.

6. Broader Implications for Free Speech and Professional Conduct

The episode also touches upon the broader themes of free speech and professional conduct. Stephen A. questions the extent to which public figures like Drake should be held accountable for their remarks, balancing the right to free speech with the responsibilities that come with their influence.

[06:20] Stephen A. Smith: "That's all. Ain't nobody looking at you as a bit soft because every time we turn around, there's a reaction from you that sparks a reaction from somebody else."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the discussion, Stephen A. emphasizes the importance of maintaining professionalism and the impact of one's actions on their legacy. He urges Drake to reflect on his behavior and its consequences, advocating for a more measured and dignified approach in the future.

[07:30] Stephen A. Smith: "Come on, Drake. It's just a song, bro. You too great for this. You too great to be in the news for this kind of stuff, man."

8. Supporting Voices and Perspectives

Throughout the episode, guest Nate Thompson interjects with brief comments that support Stephen A.’s viewpoints, reinforcing the critique of Drake’s actions. For instance, Nate refers to Drake as a "foreign threat" and underscores the seriousness of the situation.

[07:53] Nate Thompson: "Foreign."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [04:15] Stephen A. Smith: "When you're as great as Drake is, why can't you do that?"
• [06:10] Stephen A. Smith: "I don't know why the hell the Raptors are coming out now talking about Drake being banned from commenting for a year."
• [07:30] Stephen A. Smith: "Come on, Drake. It's just a song, bro. You too great for this."

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show provides a thorough examination of the fallout from Drake’s derogatory remarks towards DeMar DeRozan and the subsequent broadcasting ban by the Toronto Raptors. Through incisive analysis and compelling arguments, Stephen A. Smith underscores the significance of maintaining professionalism and the potential ramifications of public figures mismanaging their influence. The discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between free speech and responsible conduct in the public eye.

Transcript

[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 podcasts.

[Julie Swearbinks]

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 Swearbinks]

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 Swearbinks]

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

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's 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.

[Unknown Speaker]

Now I want to talk about Drake, who for the second time this week is making headlines. On Wednesday, we talked about the rap superstar suing his own record label, Universal Music Group, for promoting Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us now. The Canadian born rapper and rappers and Raptors global ambassador, as in the Toronto Raptors, been reportedly banned from commenting on their games. The one year ban reportedly stems from his controversial remarks about former Raptor star DeMar DeRozan. You may recall back in November when Drake appeared on a live broadcast and called DeRozan a goof. Take a listen.

[Nate Thompson]

Speaking of national treasure. Yes? If you ever put a DeRozan banner.

[Unknown Speaker]

Up, I'll go up there and pull it down myself.

[Nate Thompson]

That's the answer. Is that what you're going to ask? No, I didn't mention. Well, you know DeRozan and Kyle. Yeah, well, shout out.

[Unknown Speaker]

The statues are next.

[Nate Thompson]

Well, yeah, they are. I'm a New Yorker.

[Unknown Speaker]

Is this gonna be that? Like this? These remarks sparked backlash and the Raptors organization have now decided to respond. But before I respond, I be remiss in neglecting to show you DeMar DeRozan's response immediately upon hearing what Drake had to say about him.

[Nate Thompson]

Tonight's broadcast, Drake said, if you ever put up the rose and Venera, I'll go up there and put it down myself. What's your action to that?

[Greg Rosenthal]

Well, he gotta. He Gonna have a long way to climb to take it down. So tell him good luck.

[Unknown Speaker]

Drake is looking weaker and weaker every day. I said the other day, I understand how he could be a bit sensitive when he's got to take his kids out of school. The mother of his kid, along with his child, has to move out of Toronto because of the treatment they were receiving. In light of Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us song blowing up the spot, I got it. But I also felt like if somebody gets the better of you in the studio, you either stand down and say, they got me, or you come back with something stronger. When you're as great as Drake is, why can't you do that? But this DeMar DeRozan thing took it a bit too far. DeMar Russell Westbrook and those guys, they're from that area. They're from the same spot as Kendrick Lamar. When they're listening to the song, they like the song or whatever, you on stage at its concert, dancing the way that they were. Drake was salty about that. What the hell's wrong with you? DeMar DeRozan, star for the Toronto Raptors for nine years. DeMar DeRozan hasn't averaged less than 20 points a game in the last 12 years of his NBA career. DeMar DeRozan, his crime is one crime and one crime only. He could not beat LeBron James. That's about it. He was an elite NBA player for the Toronto Raptors and was always cool with Drake. And because Kendrick Lamar got you, you got to turn around and it's like, yo, you gonna hate on Demar DeRozan. Now, I personally think that this was said in November. I don't know why the hell the Raptors are coming out now talking about Drake is banned from talking about him. Of talking, you know, comment. Commentating for a year where free speech is free speech. Who the hell are you to say he can't speak for a year? You understand? I'm just saying that if you're Drake, really, do you want this reputation, bro? You want the reputation as being somebody that's that. That is that weak, can't get you. Listen. Ain't nobody look, listen. And if you look. Look at the lyrics. He didn't specifically and directly call you a pedophile. Kendrick Lamar, he did not do that. But ain't nobody thinking about whether or not you a pedophile or not. When they listen to the music, they just saying, damn, he ripped you to shreds. What you gonna do about it? You gonna respond or you gonna stand down? That's all. That's all. Ain't nobody looking at you differently. They looking at you as a bit soft because every time we turn around, there's a reaction from you that sparks a reaction from somebody else because you've taken what Kendrick Lamar did to you to heart very you damn near making people look at you and wonder what you are because of how. Not because of Kendrick Lamar's music, but because of how you're reacting to it. And other people vibing with the song. DeMar DeRozan ain't looking at you like some pedophile or something like that. He liked the song like the beat. Saw Kendrick Lamar going at you. They from the same hood. He on stage dance to support him. So what? So what? That's just me. I just think that in these kind of situations is great as somebody like Drake is. You're minimizing your own cachet. You're compromising it rather because you're making people look at you in a different light because of how you're compelling people to react to you because of how you've reacted to people just because of a song. Universal Music Group represents both y'all. I get it. Put they in the money making business. If you came out with a song and you've tried, but if you came out with a song that checked Kendrick Lamar to the degree that he checked you and they could make money off of that, Kendrick Lamar would not like it. But I think when we look at him and we see him, you know what we suspect he would not have went to the courts. He wouldn't have been about suing the music group or you for you getting at him in front of the mic or behind the mic. He'd either stand down or he come back at you anytime we see a different story. Now it's a basketball player and the team, the Toronto Raptors, who DeMar DeRosa doesn't even play for any longer. He played in San Antonio, he played in Chicago. Now he's with the Sacramento Kings. Hasn't played for them in years. Even they said you were banned from commentary, commenting or commentating for a year. Even they are salty and want to separate themselves from you. Come on, Drake. It's just a song, bro. You too great for this. You too great to be in the news for this kind of stuff, man. Too much you bring to the table, bro. Come on, man. Come on.

[Nate Thompson]

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.

[Nate Thompson]

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

[Julie Swearbinks]

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 Swearbinks]

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 Swearbinks]

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