Overview
- Smith, who addressed reports on Monday’s First Take that Derrick White unfollowed him, said he does not care who follows him and stressed he cares about being fair.
- ESPN labeled the unfollow as breaking news during the segment and Smith briefly discussed it with reporter Brian Windhorst.
- After noting the chatter, Smith praised White and guard Payton Pritchard as he highlighted Boston’s playoff clinch and a fifth straight 50-win season following Sunday’s win over Charlotte.
- Social-media users criticized Smith for bringing it up on TV, and there was no response from White reported in the coverage.
- The exchange fits Smith’s recent combative run with players, including a back-and-forth with Knicks guard Josh Hart, and comes as he remains one of ESPN’s highest-paid voices after a 2025 five-year, $105 million deal.