Michael Jordan isn’t the only one who seems to be enjoying his vacation in Italy. Many Italian fans of the Chicago Bulls legend were also elated to see him. As seen in the viral video that has made rounds on social media, a few European fans followed Jordan, making goat noises. As many may have expected, ESPN’s First Take panel discussed this topic at length before long, in their latest episode. Stephen A. Smith, who is known for picking Jordan as his pick for the GOAT debate, was shockingly saddened by the video. Blaming his co-panelist, Kendrick Perkins, Smith went on a vehement tirade on how fans may need a change in their perception.
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Ever since LeBron James won a fourth Championship and clinched the NBA’s all-time scoring title, his case for the GOAT title has become extremely strong. Despite the increase in LeBron’s dominance, in the famous debate, Stephen A. Smith stayed true to Michael Jordan. Smith recently echoed himself, explaining why the Chicago Bulls legend was still the GOAT.
Stephen A. Smith is sad that America doesn’t believe that Michael Jordan is the GOAT
This video of Jordan being chased around while Italian fans making goat noises went viral in no time. Of course, the First Take panel had to give their opinions regarding the same. Stephen A. Smith kickstarted that discussion by expressing his dissatisfaction. For someone who is a die-hard MJ supporter, his initial reaction came off as slightly confusing.
However, Smith made himself clear soon after. The 55-year-old analyst was “saddened” at the fact that fans in Italy considered Jordan to be the inarguable GOAT, whereas, the American audience didn’t. Here is what he said.
“That saddens me. It saddens me that we have to travel across the ocean to see people from another country recognizing what everyone in America should already know. Michael Jordan is the greatest ever. And the fact that that sound has to be echoed in Italy as opposed to throughout the streets of America,” Smith said.
Taking (not so) subtle shots at his co-hosts – Kendrick Perkins and Marcus Spears – Smith blamed them for swaying the American audience’s opinions on the GOAT debate. Further, implying that European players such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic were dominating the NBA, SAS begged the Americans to “take their sport back”.
“We got young (people) being influenced by Big Perk (Perkins) and my man Swagu (Spears), talking about someone other than Michael Jordan being the greatest is a travesty.
We got Jokic, we got Giannis, we got Luka, people like that. America! Stand up and take this sport back, take it back because you see what they doing over there, overseas. They recognize who the true GOAT is and there’s no confusion.”
We understand that Smith is displaying his patriotism. However, the likes of Jokic, Doncic, and Antetokounmpo dominating the best player in the world debate is only great for the game.
Smith had MJ #2 on his ‘GOAT Across Sports’ list
Michael Jordan is one of the most influential athletes ever. While Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are responsible for making the league loved across the nation, MJ’s dominance allowed the league to be adored at a global level. Further, winning six titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, and 10 scoring titles, Jordan is one of the most decorated players across all sports.
While MJ is his undisputed pick for the basketball GOAT debate, Stephen A Smith once revealed that Muhammad Ali was the #1 athlete of all time. However, MJ came in close at the #2 spot. Smith’s list also included Serena Williams, Bill Russell, and Tom Brady.
