Trump’s Favorite Sports Commentator Backstabs Him

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized President Trump following his appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, blaming the president for disrupting the atmosphere surrounding the team’s biggest home game in decades.

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday, Smith jokingly accused Trump of being responsible for the Knicks’ loss, arguing that the president’s visit created distractions that affected both fans and the overall energy around Madison Square Garden.

“Our president showed up to New York City last night, and what I was worried about ended up happening,” Smith said. “The Knicks lost, and I’m blaming him.”

Smith argued that Trump’s presence changed the vibe surrounding the game, pointing to extensive security measures, traffic disruptions, and the cancellation of fan activities outside the arena.

The criticism follows comments Smith made before the game, when he warned that if the Knicks lost, he would hold Trump accountable for interfering with what had been an exciting playoff atmosphere across New York City.

Trump responded to those remarks by calling Smith “a nice guy” but questioning whether the ESPN personality possessed the intelligence needed to run for president. Trump had previously floated Smith as a potential political candidate in past comments.

During his response on Tuesday, Smith spent several minutes criticizing the logistical challenges that accompanied Trump’s attendance. He pointed to street closures around Madison Square Garden, long security lines, and disruptions that affected local businesses and fans attempting to attend watch parties.

According to Smith, thousands of Knicks supporters faced additional obstacles because of the enhanced security protocols required for a sitting president’s visit.

He also mocked videos circulating online that appeared to show Trump looking tired during portions of the game.

“If it was so important to be there, why did you look like you were asleep?” Smith asked. “You spent years criticizing ‘Sleepy Joe,’ and now people are asking questions about you.”

Smith further argued that Trump’s appearance shifted attention away from the team and toward politics, something he said was unnecessary during a major sporting event.

The longtime Knicks fan suggested the team performed better when the spotlight remained solely on basketball and claimed the crowd’s energy was stronger before the president’s arrival.

Throughout his comments, Smith maintained a humorous tone but repeatedly insisted that Trump’s visit became a distraction during one of the biggest moments in franchise history.

He concluded by urging the president to stay away from the Knicks for the remainder of the Finals, joking that both the team and its fans needed fewer distractions as the series continued.

The exchange marks the latest public back-and-forth between Trump and Smith, whose comments about the president have increasingly drawn attention beyond the sports world.