Stephen A. Smith loses it over ESPN’s Magic Johnson expos\u00e9
You’ll never believe it. Stephen A. Smith has something to yell about.
At least the target is new this time.
The professional ranter took to ESPN News Tuesday to vent about his own company’s piece published to ESPN.com on Magic Johnson’s tumultuous time as Lakers president, in which the Hall of Famer was allegedly verbally abusive to others in the organization.
Smith is scheduled to appear alongside Johnson during an NBA Finals special airing Tuesday night.
“I am forced to address yet the latest story about the dysfunctional franchise known as the Los Angeles Lakers. I’m not happy about it one bit. I got better things to do with my damn time — better things to do,” Smith said. “I wake up this morning, minding my own damn business, getting set to do my job, and talk about these NBA Finals… but obviously I’d have to take a moment because ESPN.com decides to come out with a story on the day that Magic and the crew will be here.”
Apparently, Smith’s biggest issue wasn’t with the reporting of senior writer Baxter Holmes, but with the release date of the deeply reported piece.
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“A story comes out, Baxter Holmes, reporter, senior writer on the NBA for ESPN — by the way, does an outstanding job, and did an outstanding job with this story. There’s nothing missing here,” Smith said on ESPN News. “But he wrote this big exposé, working on it for two years. And there’s a lot to deduce from it because we don’t want to take away from his work. He did his job. Do I like the fact that I have to deal with it today? Hell no. I’m quite annoyed by it. That’s neither here nor there. I’m a big boy. I can take it.”
Phew.
Smith said he will discuss the ESPN.com report with Johnson on the special. The two went on ESPN’s “First Take” earlier this month, where Johnson opened up about his Lakers reign.
“It’s very, very important. I mean, it’s the cover of ESPN.com, it’s a big deal, right?!” Smith said mockingly. “Go ahead and look at it — ESPN.com. Let’s make sure we mention that. It’s right there. Let’s make sure we mention that. ESPN.com. Go read the story.”
