ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Fires Back At 76ers’ Michael Carter-Williams
By Sam Richmond
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith responded to Michael Carter-Williams criticizing the television personality in a recent first-person essay.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is none too pleased with Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams.
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In a first-person essay in The Players Tribune, Carter-Williams ripped the media, including Smith, for suggesting the Sixers were tanking last season.
"That’s how Stephen A. Smith ends up in our locker room with a big smile on his face. I’m not picking on him. I know he’s playing a character. He knows he’s playing a character. But what happens when we break the streak by going out and beating Detroit that night? … Stephen A. didn’t really stick around. I guess he had a plane to catch. Believe me, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t come back for the same reason."
Smith then unleashed a social media rant for the ages, disputing Carter-Williams’ claims and warning the player not to call him out.
MCW is misinformed. First, never once have I accused any player of throwing games; the finger was pointed at the org. Secondly, that was
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
Last year, not this season. Thirdly, it was the absolute truth. Fourth, most folks think it still is -- but I haven't said so. Fifth: if MCW
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
We're paying attention, or had spoken to numerous employees who have been friends of mine for years, he would've known I stuck around for
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
2 hours. I was actually in the back of the locker room with his coach AND GM. As for sticking around, what to you want me to say: Congrats..
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
On ending a 26-game losing streak? You've got a bright future MCW. I respect you. I root for the 76ers. But be careful who you try and call
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
Out. You'll never have the last word. Ask some folks within the Sixers organization, they'll tell you. They know first-hand. Wrong-brother!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 14, 2014
It’s a pretty intense and personal response from Smith, which doesn’t seem necessary considering Carter-Williams made clear he wasn’t personally attacking Smith with his initial comments.
But Smith clearly didn’t like to hear his name get brought up my MCW, so he proceeded to let the point guard have it.
Carter-Williams, a first round pick of the 76ers in 2013, was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year last season.
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