Stephen A. Smith Speaks Out After Receiving Backlash For His Comments About Jasmine Crockett
In the latest episode of his Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith podcast, Smith laid out the intense backlash he received from Black commentators following his comments, some of whom labeled him as “disrespectful” towards Crockett.
In that same episode, he doubled down, claiming he “has nothing but respect for her” but “disagree[s] on what she’s making headlines for.”
What Did Stephen A. Smith Actually Say About Jasmine Crockett?
Smith’s remarks landed in political waters, not sports. He criticized Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) for being more focused on performative opposition to Donald Trump than on achieving tangible results for her constituents.
He asked: “How Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I’m like, ‘Is that going to help your district in Texas?’ Aren’t you there to find a way to get things done, rather than just being an impediment to what … Trump wants?”
He also invoked the rhetoric she used toward Trump — calling him a “piece of s—” — and questioned whether constant loud criticism moves the needle.
Then came the defense: “I have nothing but respect for her. I just disagree on what she’s making headlines for because I think it’s counterproductive to the ultimate goal. But yet here we are, and the word ‘disrespect’ comes in and people try to engage with words, you know, like ‘disrespect’ and ‘implying misogyny’ and all of this other nonsense. Stop it. Stop it. Can we be grown-ups and deal with what the real issue is involving what I said?”
Smith also fired back at calls for his cancellation: “You want me canceled because I asked a question. Jasmine Crockett, how is that going to work for you and get your constituency?”
He made clear he’s not abandoning his platform or ambitions. He signaled he wants Democrats to regain power by 2028 and rejected pressure to retreat.
Bottom line: Smith framed his critique as tough love and refused to let the backlash silence him.
What’s the Backlash All About?
People didn’t take this lightly. Here’s who hit back and how:
Podcaster Willie D called Smith’s remarks a “betrayal” of Crockett.
Tamika Mallory, Black Lives Matter activist, said Smith “disrespected a powerful Black woman,” labeled his remarks “dangerous,” and urged people to “turn him off.”
Some critics say this is less about what Smith said, and more about who said it. In the current environment, criticisms from within the Black community carry extra weight—and scrutiny. There’s pressure to protect Black women publicly, especially from Black men seen as insiders.
Others argue that Crockett’s style (bold, outspoken, viral) invites this kind of scrutiny. A few supporters suggest Smith has a point: someone in office can’t just rant — they also must deliver.
Crockett herself hasn’t engaged in a long-form rebuttal (as of now). Her Instagram quietly reshared Mallory’s post and reposted Willie D’s comments.
This isn’t just a spat over rhetoric. It’s a clash over norms in how Black public figures hold each other accountable in a fraught political terrain.