ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday urged Donald Trump to “stay the hell away” from the New York Knicks for the remainder of the NBA Finals, following the president's attendance at the team's Game 3 loss and his subsequent mockery of Smith's intelligence.
Smith's Response to Trump's Low IQ Comment
“You want to talk about IQ? I could say I put my IQ up against yours any day of the week,” Smith said on ESPN's “First Take.” The commentator, whom Trump once floated as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, did not hold back. He continued, “I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude, OK? We could go a myriad of ways with all of this. But I’m not gonna let you off the hook because none of that is important.”
Background of the Feud
The war of words escalated rapidly after Smith used Monday's edition of “First Take” to preemptively blame Trump if the Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks were on a dominant 13-game win streak heading into that matchup. Trump's decision to attend the game led to heightened security measures at Madison Square Garden and a canceled watch party outside the arena. Once inside, he was greeted by a storm of boos, appeared to nod off in his seat, and left less than halfway through the fourth quarter.
Trump's Initial Remarks
When confronted with Smith's comments after the game, Trump described Smith as a “nice guy” before adding, “But you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I’m not sure that Stephen has that.”
Smith's Retort
Less than 12 hours later, Smith said he appreciated Trump calling him a nice guy but then showed what he suggested was his “other side.” “And my other side came out last night when I recognized that businesses that are accustomed to being patronized were compromised by you because you showed up. The crowd that surrounded [MSG] and its surrounding areas you compromised,” Smith said, addressing Trump as a New Yorker and onetime MSG fixture. “I thought you were about the economy? I thought you were about helping New Yorkers because you love New York?”
Smith continued, “We know you’ve made a lot of money. We know you keep making money. But have the New York Knicks benefited?” He argued that the team and its fanbase were on a roll before Trump showed up. “It’s clear you need your rest, isn’t it?” Smith said, taking a dig at Trump dozing off at the game. “The New York Knicks need it, too.”
Social Media Reactions
Smith's comments were widely shared on social media. In one clip, he said, “The brother wasn't awake. If it was that important for you to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn't you call out former President Joe Biden, 'Sleepy Joe'? Well, what should we call you?”
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the sports commentator and the former president, with Smith firmly standing his ground.
