Stephen A. Smith hits back at ex-MLB pitcher Jonathan Papelbon for labelling him a ‘racist’: ‘I could sue your a** for telling such a lie like that’
- Smith said he could sue Papelbon for “lying” about his claim to the locker room ban
- The Papelbon-Smith feud started when Smith was doubted due to an injury to Mike Trout
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ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has responded to criticism from former Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, in which the ex-MLB player accused the sports personality of racism.
Papelbon claimed Smith was “fake” and says things just to get opinions after the ESPN host questioned Angels star Mike Trout getting injured.
The former pitcher also said the reporter was once locked out of the Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse for trying to look through the manager’s door.
Smith responded on his podcast in a lengthy rant discussing each of Papelbon’s key claims.
“What do you mean I got kicked out of a Major League Baseball clubhouse,” Smith said. ‘I have been a reporter and sports commentator for thirty years.
Stephen A. Smith has responded to former MLB star Jonathan Papelbon, who labeled him a racist
Papelbon, a former Phillies pitcher, said Smith was kicked out of the locker room in Philly
Papelbon’s comments came after Smith openly questioned an injury to Mike Trout
‘That has never happened in any sport. I’ve never been thrown out of a locker room. I’ve never been kicked out of a clubhouse. … That is a lie.
“Now I could charge you with lying, telling such a lie. But I won’t do that. I won’t waste my time.’
Smith continued, “I think when people bring up the word racist, when they look at you and me sitting together, I think they would look at you before they looked at me,” Smith continued.
‘I’ve never talked about you. You are irrelevant. At least until today.”
“And because I say that, you go on the air, Papelbon, knowing nothing about me, and call me a racist,” Smith also said.
‘I’m a black man. We have a history of racism. And often those experiences come courtesy of people who look like you. And I would never dream of calling you a racist.
“What you said is wrong, irresponsible, petty, and if it would provoke a response, it would be desperate. Because now that you no longer have your playing career to lean on, I think you need help in other areas.
‘That’s about the most you’ll get from me. Be an adult, buddy. The things you said about me sound like a fucking racist, and I still wouldn’t call you that unless I was sure.”