NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith has never been one to shy away from confrontation, regardless of a person's stature.
Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is the latest to catch one of Smith's strays, as the analyst had this to say on The OGs Show.
"The only injury I've ever questioned is that damn Ben Simmons," Smith said. "Don't get me started on that damn Ben Simmons. He's lucky he's not in prison for theft."
Simmons' agent, Bernie Lee, has numerous clients through the NBA, most notably Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Lee did not take kindly to this remark about his client, firing back in a reported quote from NetsDaily.
“Quite Frankly.. I think Stephen A is an idiot," Lee reportedly began. "And I only wish he still had he’s TV show so I could sit in his audience and voice my opinion to him while he attempted to do his job…alas.. it got canceled…”
2/2. So we asked Bernie Lee, Simmons agent, for comment. His response:
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) July 14, 2024
“Quite Frankly.. I think Stephen A is an idiot and I only wish he still had he’s TV show so I could sit in his audience and voice my opinion to him while he attempted to do his job…alas.. it got canceled…”
Smith is known for taking his opinions to the next level, but the root of his statement is understandable. Simmons has appeared in just 57 games over the past three seasons for a variety of reasons, but still makes a substantial amount of money (comparable to an NBA All-Star). At his peak, the 27-year-old was worthy of his contract, but for Lee's comeback to hold value, Simmons must return to Sixers form.
