Stephen A. Smith Rebukes President Trump for Calling LeBron James 'Maybe... a Racist'

Smith's rare defense highlights how the president uses race as a tool to attack athletes over political loyalty.

Overview

President Trump publicly said LeBron James is “maybe he’s a racist” while favoring Michael Jordan in an on-camera GOAT question and citing a personal tie to Jordan.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith responded on his Straight Shooter/YouTube platforms by calling the president's comment “beyond the pale,” “embarrassing,” and “trifling.”
Smith’s defense surprised many because he and LeBron have a long public feud, and Smith also cited James’s political endorsements and his I Promise school in Akron in defending his character.
There has been no White House retraction or apology and no substantive public response from LeBron, leaving the president’s remark on the record.
The exchange has sharpened partisan divides over sports and politics and could push more sports figures and media personalities into public disputes over race and loyalty.