During a recent episode of his podcast, "The Stephen A. Smith Show," the "First Take" host Stephen A. Smith issued a public apology to Kyrie Irving. The apology addressed Smith’s previous harsh criticisms of the basketball star for his decision to remain unvaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith, who had previously labeled Irving as "selfish" in 2022 for missing Brooklyn Nets home games due to New York City's vaccine mandates, retracted his stance nearly four years later, instead calling the Dallas Mavericks guard "brave" for sticking to his convictions.
Smith explained that his change of heart was prompted by watching the testimony of Anthony Fauci, the former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States. According to Smith, Irving was the first person who came to mind during those proceedings. He stated that while he still maintains issues with Irving from a leadership perspective, he no longer views the decision to refuse the vaccine as stubborn or selfish, particularly in hindsight, noting that Irving faced significant professional consequences, including the loss of a potential 4-year, $100 million contract extension.
The apology, however, drew sharp criticism from Outkick reporter Jon Root. Taking to X on Friday, Root accused Smith of manipulating the situation for political leverage rather than expressing genuine remorse. Root argued that Smith only shifts his positions when the "political tide turns," suggesting the host lacks the courage to stand up for his beliefs when it is uncomfortable. Root pointed to Smith's recent criticisms of Anthony Fauci and his stance on women's sports as evidence of a calculated political strategy.
Root further contended that Smith remained silent while various figures, including Irving, Novak Djokovic, Aaron Rodgers, Cole Beasley, and Tyler Bertuzzi, faced public vilification and professional repercussions for their vaccine choices. While acknowledging that Smith’s apology carries some importance and impact, Root maintained that the gesture appeared to be an attempt to score political points rather than an admission of past cowardice. As of now, Stephen A. Smith has not provided a response to these accusations.
