Here is Every time Stephen A. Smith Had to Say, “I Was Wrong.” – The Root

Stephen A. Smith built his career on hot takes and unfiltered opinions, but speaking his mind frequently gets him into hot water. As host of ESPN’s First Take, his controversial rants and public gaffes regularly force him into damage control—most recently facing major backlash after mocking Philadelphia Eagles star Lane Johnson’s mental health-related retirement. From on-air retracts to viral apologies, here is every time Stephen A. Smith had to admit: “I was wrong.”

July 2014: The Domestic Violence “Provocation” Comments

During an appearance on First Take concerning NFL running back Ray Rice’s domestic violence suspension in July 2014, Smith sparked controversy by suggesting that women examine their own actions to avoid “provoking” physical retaliation. In response to the immediate public backlash, the network suspended Smith for one week. Eventually, Smith later delivered a pre-recorded, four-minute apology, calling his remarks “the most egregious error of my career” and acknowledging he was wrong to suggest women could provoke domestic abuse.

June 2016: Comparing Ayesha Curry to Gloria James

After Ayesha Curry tweeted that the 2016 NBA Finals were “rigged,” Smith publicly called her out on air. He suggested she take a cue from Gloria James, LeBron’s mother, and Sonya Curry, Steph’s mother, claiming they knew how to stay out of the spotlight. After being widely condemned for his patronizing rhetoric telling athletes’ wives how to act, Smith later walked back his comments on First Take, admitting it was inappropriate to compare players’ mothers and spouses.

July 2021: Shohei Ohtani and the “Face of Baseball”

In an episode of First Take, Smith said that Japanese icon Shohei Ohtani couldn’t be baseball’s top star because he uses an interpreter and doesn’t speak English. He argued it hurt the league’s U.S. marketability and, as expected, he faced swift accusations of xenophobia. He subsequently issued a detailed written apology and delivered an earnest solo broadcast on First Take, conceding his take was insensitive and flat-out wrong.

July 2021: Mocking the Nigerian National Basketball Team

Following Nigeria’s historic exhibition upset over Team USA, Smith drew fierce criticism for mocking Nigerian players’ names and downplaying their victory. In response to the backlash over his disrespect toward international athletes, Smith issued a direct on-air apology to the team and the African sports community.

October 2025: Calling Out Rep. Jasmine Crockett For Her ‘Street Verbiage’

Following significant backlash over his comments criticizing Rep. Jasmine Crockett for her “street verbiage” and “rhetoric for the streets,” Smith walked back his statements. Calling his perspective unfair, he publicly apologized to the congresswoman, commending her smarts, leadership, and the tough political battle she faces during a segment of his podcast.

July 2026: Criticizing Kyrie Irving For Not Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

During an episode, Stephen A. Smith walked back his years of harsh criticism toward Kyrie Irving over his 2021 refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Reframing his stance, Smith admitted: “Kyrie Irving did nobody wrong. We did him wrong. I did him wrong. And for that, I’m sincerely sorry… in my opinion, particularly hindsight-wise, it didn’t make him stubborn or selfish; it made him brave.”