No longer keeping quiet, Kevin Durant exploded like a media bomb after publicly criticizing Stephen A. Smith, a famous sports host of ESPN.
With a series of shocking statements, Durant said that Stephen A. had been “blatantly biased”, constantly attacking athletes of color throughout his commentary career – but was “inexplicably gentle” when mentioning Alexis Ohanian, husband of the legendary Serena Williams.
“It’s double standards, plain and simple,” Durant said. “He goes hard on us, but when it comes to Ohanian, suddenly he’s all calm and respectful. Why?”
That question shook the entire American sports and media world.
Heavy accusation and explosive reaction
According to sources close to Durant, he had been upset for months before deciding to “speak frankly and without beating around the bush”.
He accused Stephen A. of “always looking to delve into the personal lives and failures of black athletes,” while avoiding sensitive issues when it comes to influential white figures.
A clip that went viral online showed Durant looking straight into the camera during a closed-door interview and saying:
“I grew up respecting Stephen A., but respect has to go both ways. You can’t call out black men for every mistake, then act like you’ve found peace when it’s someone like Ohanian.”
The statement was quickly shared millions of times, turning the phrase #DoubleStandardsInSports into the hottest topic of the week on social media.
Stephen A. Smith “accidentally” revealed the real reason that stunned the public
In the midst of the storm, Stephen A. Smith appeared on the First Take program with a tense face. Instead of his usual fierce rebuttal, he made a startling remark:
“Let’s just say, there are people you criticize, and people you respect for personal reasons. Alexis is… connected in ways most of you don’t understand.”
This ambiguous statement immediately sparked a huge wave of speculation. “Connected” – what does it mean? Some people thought Smith was referring to a secret partnership between him and Ohanian’s investment firm, while others believed he was hiding a behind-the-scenes media deal.
The tabloids were all asking:
“Is Stephen A. protecting his own interests?”
“Is ESPN involved in the relationship between the two?”
Durant didn’t back down – and the NBA community stood by him
After Stephen A.’s vague defense, Durant continued to fire back:
“At least now the truth is out. When money talks, some people stop being honest.”
Reactions from NBA players were swift:
LeBron James wrote on X: “KD just said what many of us have been thinking.”
Draymond Green was more succinct: “He ain’t lying.”
Even Serena Williams – who was in the middle of the storm – was said to have “unfollowed” Stephen A. Smith on social media just hours after the incident, sparking rumors that she fully supported Durant.
Sports world shaken – Stephen A.’s reputation questioned
Observers say this is a rare confrontation between two major forces in American sports:
on one side is Kevin Durant – a straightforward star who is not afraid of conflict; on the other side is Stephen A. Smith – the most powerful voice in the sports commentary world.
If Durant’s accusations are partly true, the image of “neutral and straightforward host” that Stephen A. has built for 20 years could collapse in just a few days.
A media expert told The Daily Hoops:
“Durant is not just talking about fairness. He is striking at the heart of the American sports entertainment industry – where money, influence and fame are always intertwined.”
The question remains unanswered
Stephen A. Smith has yet to respond in detail. ESPN declined to comment.
But the public is demanding one thing: transparency.
Kevin Durant, with his directness and uncompromising attitude, has opened a debate larger than any game – about power, bias and truth in the world of American sports.
And this time, it seems that Stephen A. Smith is the one being “held accountable.”
