Overview
- Smith said on First Take that labeling Zion Williamson a “food addict” was based on information from inside the Pelicans and from people closer to the player who encouraged harsher coverage.
- The Pelicans’ official X account answered with a viral montage captioned “Stick to solitaire Stephen,” then kept posting, including a Max Kellerman GIF and a jab after Richard Jefferson urged them to stop.
- Responding on X and with a lengthy on-air monologue, Smith touted his popularity, called the franchise “horrible” and “trash,” and aimed his critique at the team’s social media department.
- Coverage noted no public confirmation from New Orleans supporting Smith’s sourcing, while online reaction largely mocked him for escalating a feud with a team account.
- Context for the dispute includes Williamson’s recent ESPN interview about the toll of weight criticism during his foot-injury layoff and reported postgame support from LeBron James.