Stephen A. Smith is trending online after he criticized Zion Williamson during a segment on First Take.
While discussing Zion’s response to criticism about his conditioning, Stephen A. insisted that reports about the star forward’s struggles did not come from speculation.
“The reality of the situation is, Zion Williamson, we’re very happy for you,” he said on the show. “But nothing was made up. The information that emanated about Zion Williamson came from inside the organization.”
Holy shit brah I haven’t laughed this hard inna while
HIDING FOOD UNDER HIS BED pic.twitter.com/5MT0agzqNb
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) March 3, 2026
Stephen A. claimed people connected to the team had privately encouraged scrutiny of the player’s habits.
“What was Zion’s problem? Food,” he said. “Everybody in New Orleans that cooked knew about Zion Williamson.”
The Pelicans’ official social media account responded by posting a clip mocking Stephen A., pairing it with a caption that read, “Stick to solitaire Stephen.”
Pulling out stuff from a decade, two decades, three decades ago, ???? No problem. See y’all tomorrow on @FirstTake. Remember one thing: YOU ASKED FOR THiS!!!!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 3, 2026
Stephen A. fired back on X, warning that he would respond on television.
“Pulling out stuff from a decade, two decades, three decades ago? No problem,” he wrote. “See y’all tomorrow on First Take. Remember one thing: YOU ASKED FOR THIS.”
During the next episode of the show, he defended his career while criticizing the franchise’s performance.
“I’m at the top of the heap in this profession,” he said. “My popularity is more than anybody you got on your team outside of Zion Williamson.”