Stephen A. Smith has come under fire for his comments on college basketball star JuJu Watkins’ devastating injury.

In a terrible blow for USC and women’s college basketball, Watkins’ March Madness came to a heartbreaking end on Monday when she suffered a torn UCL in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The 19-year-old was carried off the court in agony during Monday night’s game against Mississippi State before USC confirmed that she had sustained the season-ending injury.

With Watkins, one of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball, in the team, the Trojans were considered by many to be title contenders.

But in her absence, Smith has declared that’s no longer the case, instead suggesting that it has opened the door for UConn to make a run.

During Tuesday’s First Take, host Molly Qerim asked Huskies alum Napheesa Collier how she felt about her former school’s chances but before the WNBA star could respond Smith chimed in with a bizarre comment.

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Stephen A. Smith has come under fire for his comments on JuJu Watkins’ devastating injury

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The USC superstar suffered a torn ACL during Monday’s March Madness matchup

His comment sparked severe backlash from social media users who hit out at Smith for appearing to suggest that Minnesota Lynx star would find glee in Watkins’ injury.

‘Stephen A that’s the most disgusting thing you could ever say. Just because Phee went to UConn doesn’t mean she feels good about Juju being injured. You need to apologize @stephenasmith,’ one fan furiously hit back on X.

‘Stephen A has no shame. Telling Collier she should be feeling good about UConn because Juju got hurt is a bad look,’ another agreed.

A third was left stunned at Smith’s comment, writing: ‘stephen a smith is such an ignorant person. they ask naphessa is she feeling good about uconn within the tournament & this jack a** says “she should be feeling good now, juju got hurt” WHO TF SAYS S*** LIKE THAT? how is he still doing this job after saying the s*** he says’

Others wished that the sports personality had suffered Watkins’ fate instead, with one posting: ‘May God take all of JuJu Watkins pain and give it to Stephen A Smith.’

‘Lord take JuJu Watkin’s pain and give to Stephen A. Smith’s hairline receding a**,’ another echoed.

Watkins’ injury occurred as she raced towards the hoop with two defenders guarding her.

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The analyst’s comment on First Take sparked severe backlash on social media

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Frustrated USC star clashes with Mississippi State players in women’s March Madness after JuJu Watkins’ injury

The Trojans player was slightly bumped by a defender, and her right knee subsequently appeared to buckle when she planted her leg, sending her tumbling to the ground in extreme pain.

Watkins could be seen writhing on the floor immediately afterwards as her teammates crowded around her.

USC soon ruled her out of the game and ESPN’s Holly Rowe said that Watkins was wheeled out of the Galen Center (where the game was played) and taken to a medical center for an MRI.

Earlier during Tuesday’s program, Smith had solemnly expressed his upset at the devastating blow.

‘I’m definitely heartbroken for her, I think she’s the face of women’s college basketball this year,’ he said. ‘I was really, really looking forward to her going on a collision course against UConn.

‘She’s a show-stopper, she’s box office, I love watching her play, I had aspirations for USC to win the National Championship because I thought she had the potential to carry them there.

‘I had them in the National Championship game against South Carolina. I don’t see that happening, let me be very clear about that, I don’t think they’re doing that without her.’