US EditionStephen A. Smith: NBA Players Down on Memphis Due to Crime
- On the morning of June 17, 2025, during an episode of First Take, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith made critical remarks about Memphis and the Grizzlies, highlighting concerns over player safety in the city.
- Smith based his remarks on Memphis's high crime rates and alleged unsafe environment, noting players like Jimmy Butler share this view.
- The discussion followed the Grizzlies trading Desmond Bane on June 15 and amidst rumors about Ja Morant's future amid injury and off-court concerns.
- Morant publicly rejected claims he plans to leave Memphis, stating on X he is proud to play there and calling for focus on basketball over drama.
- Smith's comments fueled debates about Memphis's reputation affecting the Grizzlies' ability to attract talent, suggesting safety perceptions impact the franchise's prospects.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Stephen A. causes stir after naming US city where crime scares away NBA stars
STEPHEN A. Smith created a stir after suggesting that a city with high crime rates could deter NBA stars from joining a team. The ESPN star Smith made the claim during Tuesday’s edition of First Take. Stephen A. Smith sitting at the 2025 Disney Upfront this monthGetty ESPNSmith turned heads with his comments concerning the city of Memphis when speaking about Grizzlies star Ja Morant[/caption] During the hit debate program, Stephen A. Smith dove …
Sports Fans 'Done' With ESPN's Stephen A. Smith
How Much Money ESPN Pays Stephen A. Smith (1:02) ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was once considered a fan favorite in the NBA world. However, fans have grown tired of his antics.During the 2024-25 NBA season, Smith received plenty of backlash for his feud with LeBron James. It went from a one-time altercation to him taking shots about the four-time NBA champion's character. He even suggested that James missed the legendary Kobe Bryant's memor…
Grizzlies' Ja Morant fires back at Stephen A. Smith's claim NBA players avoid Memphis due to safety issues
Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant fired back at Stephen A. Smith’s claim that NBA players don't want to join Morant's squad because they don’t feel safe in the city. During Tuesday’s edition of "First Take," the panel, which included Smith and NBA brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris, discussed whether the Grizzlies should trade Morant and do a full rebuild after dealing Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Marcus Morris was asked why pl…
Ja Morant Whines About Stephen A. Smith After ESPN Host Correctly Calls Memphis An Unsafe City
With the Memphis Grizzlies trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic over the weekend, many questioned if the move signaled a complete rebuild of the organization. Naturally, it has led both fans and media members alike to discuss the possibility of the Grizzlies moving on from Ja Morant, the face of the franchise.Morant managed to briefly hold off from getting involved in the rumor mill about his future with the Grizzlies, but Stephen A. Smith'…
Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Stands Up to Stephen A Smith After Memphis Hate
This morning Tuesday June 17, 2025, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith made some very disparaging comments about the city of Memphis and the Memphis Grizzlies on First Take, suggesting that NBA stars don’t want to play there for a wild reason. “There’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel it’s the safest environment,” Smith claimed. “I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis, you’ve got to clean some of that stuff…
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