Overview
- Smith posted a furious reply Monday that featured a mock GoFundMe labeled “Fat Bastard Lock,” and he threw $100 bills on camera to mock Whitlock as clout chasing.
- After blasting Whitlock, Smith admonished Cam Newton for not pressing for evidence on the 'fraud' allegations and said he will join Newton’s YouTube channel soon.
- Newton and producer Omari “Peggy” Collins answered Tuesday with a 20‑minute rebuttal that framed the interview as letting a guest speak and said a host cannot fact‑check every claim in real time.
- ESPN colleague Ryan Clark criticized Newton on Tuesday in a social post that questioned his loyalty for giving Whitlock room to attack Smith.
- Opinion coverage diverged, as Awful Announcing declared Whitlock 'won' by provoking Smith, with OutKick defending Newton’s booking choice and rebuking Clark’s stance.