Stephen A. Smith set off a storm of controversy over his comments about Jaylen Brown being “unmarketable”. But contrary to popular belief, the sports analyst insists he wasn’t calling out the Celtics star.
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During an appearance on Gil’s Arena, the veteran sports journalist put up a strong defense of his comments regarding the 28-year-old. Revealing the real truth behind his remarks, Smith insisted that what he had said about Brown was only what he had heard from sources in the NBA—and there was a reason why he made that public.
Stephen A explained how the tangent was his way of “tipping off” the audience that far from being undeserving, Brown was actually being made out to be unmarketable. In fact, considering everything Brown has accomplished on and off the court, he thought it was “ridiculous” that Brown isn’t viewed in the same light as other stars.
Stephen A. once referred to Brown as one of the NBA’s most underrated talents, so he wasn’t trying to bring down the four-time All-Star with his observation. The 57-year-old just wants fans to know people were working against a successful Black man, a player who once scared off scouts with his intelligence during the pre-draft process.
“This brother was literally compromised in the NBA Draft because he was too smart,” Smith said of Brown. “They were saying, ‘He’s too smart. He’ll question everything. He’s gonna challenge us. He’s gonna expose our ignorance.'”
Instead of tearing down his team with his smarts, Brown helped lead the Celtics to five Eastern Conference Finals appearances and an NBA title before the age of 28. Given this record, it becomes even more puzzling that the talented wing hasn’t earned a single endorsement deal yet.
Brown’s body of work and off-court contributions are certainly worthy of a hefty endorsement deal, which is why Stephen A. is so baffled by the fact he doesn’t have one.
“Model citizen, cares about the community, goes back to Oakland, contributes to that community, literally goes to MIT… Never in trouble, and [Brown] still don’t have one endorsement deal,” Smith continued.
Stephen A.’s original comments were misconstrued, but he has since made amends with Jaylen Brown. The ninth-year veteran confronted Smith, and the two were able to clear up the misunderstanding. The First Take host shared that when the pair first sat down to talk, Brown didn’t even mention Smith’s remarks, instead calling out other members of the media who had come after him.
Stephen A. is often the reason certain uncomfortable stories come to light in the first place, so he isn’t always seen as Mr. Nice Guy. But in this case, he was simply trying to figure out why a successful athlete with no blemishes to his name isn’t garnering the attention he deserves.
