Stephen A. Smith has finally spoken about a heated moment with Michael Jordan, and it all started because of one strong opinion. The ESPN host said he stood his ground even when the NBA icon challenged him over his take on NASCAR drivers. This goes back to comments by Stephen A. Smith made on his SiriusXM show, where he clearly said he does not see NASCAR drivers as athletes. His words quickly spread, and many people in the racing world did not like it. The reaction kept growing, and then something unexpected happened. Michael Jordan himself stepped in and reached out to him.Stephen A. Smith shared this moment on SiriusXM, explaining that Michael Jordan directly confronted him about the issue. Still, he did not back down. He said he argued his point because that is what he truly believes. This story has now become bigger than just a debate. It has turned into a clash between two big sports voices from different worlds.
Stephen A. Smith stands firm after Michael Jordan challenges NASCAR athlete claim
Stephen A. Smith’s original comments came during a live discussion when a caller mentioned NASCAR legend Richard Petty in a debate about the greatest athletes. Smith quickly dismissed the idea. He said, “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car! I’m being honest, it’s a great sport. But come on, bro. Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same.”He did not stop there. He added, “You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” These words did not sit well with many in NASCAR. Drivers and fans felt he ignored the physical and mental demands of racing. The backlash kept growing across the sport.Then came Michael Jordan’s response. Speaking again on SiriusXM, Stephen A. Smith revealed, “You know who wanted to correct me about the NASCAR thing? Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan. I argued with him!” He continued, “I’m being honest. That’s how I feel. That’s all, it’s not a crime. That’s what makes radio and sports talk.” Michael Jordan’s involvement is important here. He is not just a basketball legend. He is also deeply involved in NASCAR as co-owner of 23XI Racing, a team he joined in 2020. His connection to the sport made his reaction more personal.Under his ownership, the team has seen success. Driver Tyler Reddick even won the Daytona 500, earning Michael Jordan a major victory as a team owner. That moment showed how serious he is about the sport. While Michael Jordan tried to push back, Stephen A. Smith stayed firm. He made it clear that his opinion comes from how he views athletic ability, even if others strongly disagree. Meanwhile, NASCAR drivers also spoke up. Veteran driver Ryan Preece gave a sharp response while speaking to ESPN’s First Take.Ryan Preece said, “I’d love for him to go tumbling 13 times, have black eyes, and show up next week doing what you gotta do.” He added, “I think your definition of an athlete certainly varies from person to person.” His words pointed to the risks drivers face on the track. In 2023, Ryan Preece himself survived a serious crash at Daytona where his car rolled multiple times. That moment showed how dangerous the sport can be.The debate now feels bigger than one comment. It has turned into a deeper discussion about what really makes someone an athlete. Stephen A. Smith believes athletic skill is different from driving. On the other side, NASCAR drivers and figures like Michael Jordan see racing as physically demanding and deserving of respect. For now, Stephen A. Smith is not changing his stance. Even after a direct argument with Michael Jordan, he is sticking to what he said from the start.
