SouthernWorldwide.com – ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, a frequent and vocal critic of the New York Knicks, has recently adopted a notably different stance.
This shift in tone occurred just days after the Knicks secured their first NBA championship in over fifty years. Smith, a native New Yorker and long-time host of “First Take,” joined Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart for a live recording of their podcast, “Roommates Show.” The event, held on Friday, took place inside Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theater, a day after the city celebrated the Knicks’ long-awaited championship parade.
Upon his introduction to the stage, Smith was met with audible boos from the audience. The crowd’s reaction intensified when Hart revealed that he had been meticulously keeping track of Smith’s past critical remarks about the Knicks.
Among Hart’s documented points was Smith’s assertion that the 2016 Villanova national championship team lacked future NBA talent. Notably, Hart, Brunson, and Mikal Bridges were all subsequently drafted into the NBA and played significant roles in the Knicks’ championship victory. Brunson’s decision to sign with the Knicks in 2022 was met with skepticism by Smith, who publicly stated that the point guard was “isn’t the answer” for the team.
After reviewing Smith’s earlier comments, Hart gestured towards the championship trophy positioned nearby and directly challenged the 58-year-old pundit. “We are now sitting here with this golden trophy there to your right. Can you sit here and admit you were wrong?” Hart asked.
Smith did not dispute the claim. Instead, he offered a public apology to Brunson, Hart, and the entire Knicks organization.
“I was beyond wrong. I’m apologizing to this brother on national television; I’m apologizing to you; I’m apologizing to the entire Knicks organization. Let me be very, very clear — I have never been more happy to be wrong in my life. Let me be very, very clear — I came out of the womb a Knicks fan. I’m 58 years old. The last time the New York Knicks won a title before last Saturday, I was 4,” Smith stated.
However, Smith also suggested that his apology came with a condition: if his years of criticism ultimately contributed to ending the Knicks’ championship drought, he would be willing to repeat the process.
“So, I apologize for being wrong,” Smith continued. “But let me be very clear: if it means another championship, I would do it again.”
The podcast episode also featured appearances from other notable figures, including Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, and former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
