Stephen A. Smith has been in the news lately for several different things he’s said, so “what did Stephen A. Smith say” depends on which moment people are talking about.

Below is a quick, high-level scoop of the most recent and widely discussed things he’s said.

Quick Scoop: The Big Recent Moments

1. Claims of a “coordinated effort” to get him fired

Stephen A. Smith recently accused some media figures of trying to get him pushed out over his political commentary, even though he mainly expresses those opinions on his own platforms, not ESPN’s. He argued that critics repeatedly invoking ESPN and Disney is, in his view, an attempt to orchestrate his “cancellation” by pressuring his employer rather than debating his ideas. He framed this as people trying to silence him for thinking independently and not fully aligning with progressive orthodoxy.

He also described himself politically as a “moderate who leans left,” saying he is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, including support for pro‑choice policies and LGBTQ+ rights. At the same time, he emphasized that he wants the freedom to disagree on certain issues without being treated as if disagreement equals disrespect.

2. Comments on the ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good

Smith stirred major controversy by defending an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a woman driving away from the agent in Minneapolis. On his “Straight Shooter” show, he said the killing was “completely unnecessary,” but also argued the agent was “completely justified” from a legal standpoint when he fired. Many critics felt he was reckless to speak that strongly without full information, and the backlash led him to respond angrily in a follow‑up show, saying his remarks were taken out of context and that some outlets and personalities were trying to get him fired.

This incident added to a broader narrative that Smith is increasingly stepping into political and law‑and‑order debates, not just sports, which some fans welcome and others feel is a distraction from his ESPN role.

3. Talking seriously about a 2028 presidential run

Stephen A. Smith has also said he is “dead serious” about considering a run for U.S. president in 2028. In an interview clip, he said “very, very serious people” have approached him about running and that it would be his “pleasure” to face the political establishment on a debate stage. He stressed that he doesn’t actually want to be a traditional politician, but he does want to confront politicians he believes have harmed the country and hold them publicly accountable.

Smith, a registered Independent, said he’s not ruling anything out but acknowledged that any real campaign decision would be much closer to 2027. He also addressed criticism over his comments about Black women in politics, notably Rep. Jasmine Crockett, saying he apologized to her personally for possibly feeding a toxic environment, but still stands by his view that some of her insults toward Donald Trump did not ultimately help her constituents.

4. Broader “code” and ethics in his commentary

In recent long‑form conversations, Smith has talked about the personal “code” he follows as a reporter and commentator. He says there are lines he will not cross regarding athletes’ and public figures’ private lives, even if revealing those details would bring more clicks or attention. For him, things that happen strictly in someone’s personal life, if they aren’t clearly part of the news, are “none of my business,” and he won’t “dime you out,” even if he personally disapproves.

At the same time, he insists that when someone’s actions become news or affect their job performance, he’s obligated to talk about it frankly, even if that criticism hurts their feelings. He frames this as balancing his morals and ethics with the responsibility that comes from having a big media platform.

5. Why everyone keeps asking “what did he say?”

Right now, people search “what did Stephen A. Smith say” because:

  • He is mixing sports talk with more political and social commentary than in the past.
  • Some of his comments—especially on policing, immigration, and Black politicians—have created strong reactions on both sides.
  • He’s openly flirting with a 2028 presidential run, which makes every statement feel more consequential and scrutinized.

If you tell me which specific controversy, clip, or date you’re seeing discussed (for example, “the ICE shooting comments” or “the thing about Joy Reid and Don Lemon”), I can narrow it down to the exact quotes and context you’re looking for.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.