Stephen A. Smith Claps Back: Exposes the Flaws in Fox News Host’s Criticism of Michael Jordan

It was a Tuesday evening, and the sports world was abuzz with its usual blend of highlight reels, trade rumors, and debate shows. But this night was different. A segment on Fox News, featuring one of its most polarizing hosts, had sent shockwaves through both the sports and political spheres. The target? None other than Michael Jordan—arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond the hardwood.

The Fox News host, known for his brash style and uncompromising opinions, had leveled a scathing critique at Jordan. Claiming that the basketball legend “never used his platform for real change” and “cared more about sneakers than social justice,” the host’s words ignited a firestorm across social media. The comment section exploded, with fans and detractors alike weighing in, the debate spilling out into the larger conversation about athletes, activism, and responsibility.

But it wasn’t until Stephen A. Smith, ESPN’s most recognizable and outspoken personality, entered the fray that the conversation truly caught fire.

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The Fox News Critique: Lighting the Fuse

The Fox News segment was, by all accounts, classic cable news theater. The host, sitting beneath a banner reading “Jordan: The Silent Superstar,” rattled off a list of grievances. He criticized Jordan for his famous “Republicans buy sneakers, too” comment, accused him of “ducking tough questions,” and contrasted him unfavorably with modern athlete-activists like LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick.

“He had the world’s attention and chose to stay silent,” the host intoned. “Is that the kind of role model we want for our kids?”

Clips from the segment circulated rapidly. Some viewers nodded in agreement, arguing that celebrities—especially those with Jordan’s reach—had a duty to speak out. Others felt the criticism was unfair, pointing to Jordan’s charitable work and his status as a private individual.

As the debate raged, Stephen A. Smith watched and took notes. He’d seen this argument before. He knew its flaws—and he was ready to respond.

Stephen A. Smith Responds: A Thunderous Rebuttal

The next morning, on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith sat at the desk, his expression a blend of amusement and exasperation. The camera zoomed in, and he launched into the monologue that would soon go viral.

“Let me tell you something right now,” he began, his voice rising with each syllable, “when it comes to Michael Jeffrey Jordan, you better put some respect on that man’s name!”

Smith’s co-hosts, Molly Qerim and Kendrick Perkins, leaned in. The stage was set.

“First of all,” Smith continued, “let’s talk about this so-called ‘silence.’ Michael Jordan came up in an era where speaking out as a Black athlete was not just risky—it was dangerous. We’re talking about the 1980s and 90s, a time when the backlash could cost you everything. And yet, Jordan never ran from his responsibilities. He just handled them differently.”

Smith pointed to Jordan’s philanthropic work: his millions in donations to causes ranging from education to disaster relief, his role in building hospitals, his support for underprivileged communities. He cited Jordan’s 2020 pledge of $100 million to organizations dedicated to racial equality and social justice.

“Don’t tell me he didn’t do anything,” Smith thundered. “He just didn’t do it your way. There’s a difference!”

The History: Jordan’s Era vs. Today

Smith’s argument struck a nerve because it tapped into a larger truth—the shifting landscape of athlete activism. In Jordan’s prime, the world was a different place. The backlash faced by outspoken athletes could be severe and career-ending. The memory of Muhammad Ali’s exile from boxing for his anti-war stance was still fresh. Colin Kaepernick’s blackballing from the NFL decades later would prove that the risks remained real.

Jordan, Smith argued, made a choice. He chose to focus on excellence, to become so dominant on the court that his very presence was a statement. He chose to give quietly, to support causes behind the scenes. And, crucially, he chose to protect his brand—not out of selfishness, but out of a recognition that his success could open doors for others.

“Let’s not forget,” Smith said, “Michael Jordan was the first Black athlete to become a global marketing icon. He broke down barriers. He showed corporations that a Black man could be the face of their brand. That’s not just business—that’s progress.”

The “Republicans Buy Sneakers” Controversy

Smith addressed the infamous quote that had haunted Jordan for years. In the early 1990s, Jordan was asked to endorse Harvey Gantt, a Black Democrat running against the openly racist Jesse Helms for a North Carolina Senate seat. Jordan declined, reportedly saying, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.”

Critics seized on the line as proof of Jordan’s apathy. But Smith offered context.

“First of all, he said it as a joke to his teammates,” Smith explained. “Second, Michael Jordan has admitted he could have done more in that moment. But are we really going to define a man’s entire legacy by one offhand comment? Especially when his actions—his donations, his mentorship, his example—speak volumes?”

Smith paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

“I’m not saying Michael Jordan is perfect. Nobody is. But to reduce his legacy to a soundbite, to ignore everything he’s done for his community, is not just unfair—it’s dishonest.”

The Modern Comparison: LeBron, Kaepernick, and the Evolution of Athlete Activism

Smith acknowledged that today’s athletes operate in a different environment. Social media gives them a direct line to fans. The culture has shifted, making it more acceptable—and sometimes even expected—for athletes to speak out on political and social issues.

“LeBron James is a hero for what he’s done—opening schools, speaking out, challenging power. Colin Kaepernick took a knee and paid the price. But let’s not pit them against Michael Jordan. They’re all part of the same legacy. They all stand on the shoulders of those who came before.”

Smith argued that the Fox News host’s critique was less about Jordan and more about a desire to control the narrative around Black athletes.

“Why is it that when a Black man chooses to speak out, he’s told to ‘shut up and dribble’? And when he chooses not to, he’s called a sellout? You can’t have it both ways.”

The Public Reacts: Social Media and Beyond

Smith’s monologue exploded across social media. Clips racked up millions of views within hours. #StephenASmith trended worldwide, with fans and fellow athletes weighing in.

NBA players past and present voiced their support. Dwyane Wade tweeted, “Respect to @stephenasmith for giving MJ his due. There’s more than one way to make a difference.” Magic Johnson posted, “Michael Jordan changed the game on and off the court. Let’s not forget that.”

Even celebrities outside the sports world chimed in. Actor Samuel L. Jackson, a longtime friend of Jordan, wrote, “People love to rewrite history. Glad Stephen A. set the record straight.”

But the conversation was not without dissent. Some argued that Jordan’s wealth and influence demanded more visible activism. Others pointed out that times had changed, and that today’s athletes owed it to their fans to speak out.

Smith welcomed the debate. “That’s what makes this country great,” he said on a follow-up show. “We can disagree, we can argue, but let’s do it with facts.”

Jordan Himself Responds

As the debate raged, Jordan’s representatives released a rare public statement.

“Michael Jordan has always believed in using his platform to inspire and uplift,” the statement read. “He respects the choices of all athletes to speak out in their own way and remains committed to supporting his community through action and example.”

The statement was classic Jordan—measured, understated, but firm.

The Deeper Issue: Who Gets to Define Activism?

Smith’s argument raised a larger question: Who gets to define what activism looks like? Is it public protest, or quiet philanthropy? Is it a viral tweet, or a lifetime of mentorship?

Smith argued that the Fox News host’s criticism reflected a narrow, prescriptive view of social responsibility—one that failed to account for the complexities of history, race, and personal choice.

“Let’s be clear,” Smith said, “there is no one right way to make a difference. We need the marchers and the donors, the speakers and the doers. Michael Jordan’s way may not be your way, but it’s made an impact all the same.”

The Legacy: A New Conversation

In the days that followed, sports talk shows, podcasts, and op-eds dissected Smith’s response. The conversation shifted from a narrow critique of Jordan to a broader discussion about the evolution of athlete activism.

High school and college classrooms used the debate as a case study, exploring questions of leadership, responsibility, and the power of celebrity. Community leaders pointed to Jordan’s example as proof that change could come in many forms.

Jordan’s donations to social justice causes received renewed attention, with many organizations expressing gratitude for his ongoing support. In Chicago, where Jordan’s legacy loomed largest, community centers and youth programs reported a surge in interest and donations.

The Final Word: Stephen A. Smith’s Message

In a special segment closing out the week, Smith reflected on the firestorm his comments had sparked.

“I didn’t set out to start a war,” he said, “but I won’t apologize for standing up for what’s right. Michael Jordan is not above criticism—no one is. But let’s make sure our criticism is fair, informed, and rooted in reality.”

He looked directly into the camera, his voice steady.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about tearing down our heroes. It’s about recognizing their humanity—their flaws, their strengths, and their impact. Michael Jordan changed the world. Let’s give him the credit he deserves, while pushing all of us to do even more.”

As the camera faded to black, the message resonated far beyond the world of sports. It was a reminder that greatness comes in many forms—and that the true measure of a legacy is not just what you say, but what you do.

And so, in the wake of controversy, Stephen A. Smith’s passionate defense of Michael Jordan did more than silence a critic—it sparked a national conversation about activism, responsibility, and the many ways to change the world.