New York – A storm of public opinion is erupting after Stephen Jackson suddenly posted a harsh criticism of Stephen A. Smith, accusing the veteran ESPN commentator of being “severely unfair” and “two-faced” in the way he treats black sports figures compared to white billionaires.
In a less than two-minute video posted on his personal Instagram, Jackson looks straight into the lens, his voice full of indignation:
“Stephen A. is always loud and fiery when talking about LeBron, Serena, or any black athlete. But when faced with people like Alexis Ohanian – suddenly he is gentle as if he is interviewing an angel.”
The statement spread like wildfire. In just a few hours, the hashtag #StephenAExposed climbed to the top of Twitter trends, and sports channels and basketball forums across the US simultaneously dissected the incident.
Jackson didn’t stop there, but he also released more evidence – a clip from the “First Take” program, where Smith commented on Serena Williams in a tone that was considered “aggressive”, in complete contrast to the way he spoke about billionaire Alexis Ohanian, Serena’s husband, in a separate interview.
Jackson concluded coldly:
“If you can be tough with LeBron, be tough with people with money and power. Don’t choose sides.”
The online community exploded. One side defended Smith, saying he was just “doing his job and creating drama for television.” The other side simultaneously attacked, saying Jackson “hit the nail on the head” of the American media – where powerful figures are often “understated.”
And then, as if adding fuel to the fire, Stephen A. Smith finally broke his silence.
On Twitter (X), he suddenly posted a short tweet:
“Let me speak.”
Just three words, but enough to make social media explode.
Sports writers, reporters and fans rushed to comment – some interpreted it as a warning, others read it as a “hidden message” that Smith was about to fire back.
Less than 30 minutes later, tens of thousands of retweets and hundreds of reaction videos appeared on TikTok. An ESPN insider revealed:
“Stephen A. is very angry. He feels betrayed – especially when the person speaking up is Stephen Jackson, who he has invited on the show many times.”
More importantly – this incident seems to be reviving the “underground war” between Smith and LeBron James, which has lasted for many years. LeBron fans quickly joined in the comments, recalling the times Smith “taunted” or “challenged” the Lakers superstar on television.
One comment, shared more than 20,000 times, read:
“Stephen A. just reopened the door he tried to lock. And this time, LeBron didn’t have to say anything – the community spoke for him.”
The public now waits for one thing: What will Stephen A. “say” in his next appearance?
Will he retort, apologize, or continue to add fuel to the fire burning between two generations of black sports icons?
One thing is for sure: “Let me speak” may only be three words, but it has officially opened the most intense verbal war in American sports this year.
