Stephen A. Smith calls ‘idiotic’ behavior an ’embarrassment’ after channeling Ric Flair on First Take’s return
ESPN star personality Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back during Monday’s First Take.
The ESPN host, 58, called out the “idiotic” behavior of Minnesota Timberwolves players Rudy Gobert, Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels.
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The Reportedly timber wolves Gobert suspended for Tuesday’s play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday after punching Anderson in Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
They will also be without McDaniels, who broke his hand hitting a wall in an arena tunnel.
Smith plunged into Minnnesota’s costly decision-making in their regular-season finale on Sunday.
He said: “I think the behavior was idiotic and it’s an embarrassment to the City of Minnesota and the Timberwolves organization that you’re going to play in the play-in game and that kind of split in the last game of the regular season is something that you allow.”
While 58-year-old Smith denounced Gobert’s actions, he also said Anderson was also to blame after calling Gobert a “b***h” before the punch.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gobert issued a public apology and spoke privately about the incident with Anderson.
Minnesota nevertheless made the decision to suspend Gobert for Tuesday’s game against Los Angeles.
Smith went on to describe the situation as “juvenile” and “stupid.”
He also slammed McDaniels’ injury.
“What the hell are you doing? You go in and break your hand.
“What could you possibly have been upset about in the last game of the regular season? It’s just stupid,” he said.
Smith’s tirade came after First Take opened with the star personality providing an intro with NBA guest analyst Kendrick Perkins.
The fiery Smith shouted, “Hell yes. It’s Monday. You see Big Perk right there on the screen.”
He also introduced NFL analyst Damien Woody and First Take co-host Molly Qerim.
At the end of his intro, Smith mirrored an impression of Ric Flair and yelled, “The NBA playoffs are on, y’all. Get ready. I know what I have for you, Kendrick Perkins. Yell at you boy! woo! go.”
Smith was back in the New York studio on Monday after last week’s abrupt absence.