A media storm has erupted in the world of American sports — and this time, it’s centered on Stephen A. Smith. The popular sportscaster, who regularly stirs controversy with his “social media firebrand” statements, is facing a wave of criticism after former NBA star Stephen Jackson publicly “exposed” his double standards.
It all started when Jackson posted a candid, candid video on Instagram:
“Stephen A. is full of energy when he talks about Black athletes. But when it comes to white billionaires, he’s soft-spoken, polite, and calm. That’s not okay.”
The former NBA champion went on to mention Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian — who, according to Jackson, Smith “always has a level-headed and respectful tone,” in stark contrast to his harsh, dramatic tone when talking about LeBron James or Serena herself.
“If you have energy for a group, give it to everyone, Stephen,” Jackson said, his eyes piercing into the camera.
Within hours, the clip had racked up more than 2.7 million views, and the comments section became a battleground for fans, divided into two distinct camps: one side defended Stephen A. for “just doing his job,” while the other called him “the hypocritical face of sports television.”
And then — Stephen A. Smith responded.
Not with a video. Not with a lengthy defense.
Just with a tweet.
The first three words — “You want the truth?” — were enough to set the internet ablaze.
It wasn’t clear what Smith was referring to, but a few minutes later, he followed up with a short, vague, but meaningful line:
“Some people only remember things that make them look like victims.”
The internet exploded. A slew of commentators, former players, and LeBron James fans have chimed in to decipher the implications. Many believe Smith is taking direct aim at LeBron, reigniting a years-long feud between the two.
An anonymous sports reporter said:
“Stephen A. knows exactly what he’s doing. Those three words aren’t random — they’re a stab in the gut. And he knows LeBron is listening.”
On social media, the hashtag #YouWantTruth quickly climbed to the top of the trending list, while a series of old clips of Smith criticizing LeBron were reposted, highlighting the “both friendly and hostile” relationship between the two most powerful men in American basketball.
One fan commented scathingly:
“LeBron vs. Curry on the court. Stephen A. vs. the world on television.”
The media is now waiting to see if LeBron responds — and if he does, this could become the most heated rivalry of the year in American sports.
But whatever the outcome, one thing is clear:
Stephen A. Smith’s three words were enough to explode on social media — and reignite a war that everyone thought had died down.
