Excerpt:
I’m tired of Stephen A. Smith using his platform to tear down people who are genuinely standing up for something real. Every time a strong Black woman like Jasmine Crockett steps up and speaks truth to power, here comes Stephen A., ready to criticize instead of support. It’s exhausting watching someone with influence waste it on empty opinions and divisive rants instead of using it to uplift his own community.

Let me just be real for a minute. Stephen A. Smith has become one of those voices that always seems to have something to say — about everybody — especially when it comes to people who are out here actually doing something meaningful. Lately, I’ve been noticing how he always jumps in to criticize folks like Representative Jasmine Crockett, a woman who’s been out there fighting for justice, equality, and the protection of our rights. And yet, instead of supporting her efforts, he sits behind a microphone nitpicking every move she makes. Why? For clicks? For attention? For ratings? Because from where I’m standing, it sure doesn’t look like it’s coming from a place of genuine care for the community.

Stephen A. has a platform that could do so much good. He could use it to highlight systemic issues, promote real unity, and speak truth about the struggles that still exist for Black people in this country. But instead, he chooses to act like a celebrity commentator who thinks he knows everything — politics, social issues, religion, whatever’s trending that week. He built his name in sports, and that’s where his credibility lies. But now, it feels like he’s chasing clout in every direction except the one that actually benefits his people.

And honestly, it’s frustrating to watch. It’s one thing to share an opinion; it’s another to talk just to hear yourself speak. Every time I see him on TV or online, he’s either defending the wrong people or attacking the ones who are actually standing up for something. He’ll go hard on a politician like Jasmine Crockett but stay silent when powerful men in politics or business are doing the real damage. It’s giving selective outrage — and it’s tired.

What bothers me most is how this pattern isn’t new. We’ve seen it for generations: Black men with platforms tearing down Black women who dare to stand firm and speak loudly. Stephen A. Smith isn’t the first, and sadly, he probably won’t be the last. But in 2025, you’d think someone of his experience would know better. You’d think he’d realize that his words don’t just disappear after the show — they shape perceptions, they influence viewers, they help determine who gets public respect and who gets vilified.

It feels like he’s become more about playing both sides than standing for anything at all. He’ll throw out a few “facts,” claim neutrality, and then go right back to dragging people who actually show courage. I can’t help but wonder if he’s just another media pawn — someone they prop up to keep the real conversations from happening. Because every time he opens his mouth to criticize instead of uplift, he’s doing exactly what they want: distracting us from the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Crockett is out here putting in real work. She’s not afraid to call out hypocrisy, even when it’s uncomfortable. She’s not doing it for fame or clicks; she’s doing it because she actually gives a damn about people who look like her and me. And instead of standing with her, Stephen A. would rather sit back, talk down, and remind everyone why so many of our strongest voices end up fighting battles alone.

If Stephen A. Smith wants to be taken seriously beyond sports, he needs to start acting like someone who stands for truth, not ratings. You can’t call yourself a voice of reason while constantly tearing down those who are trying to make a difference. Maybe he should take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask himself who he’s really serving — the people, or the paycheck. Because right now, it’s not looking like the people.

Until then, I’ll keep calling it how I see it. He’s not helping us — he’s hurting us. And if he can’t recognize that his commentary plays a role in how our voices are treated, then maybe he’s the one who needs to take a seat, not the people who are fighting for justice.