Stephen A. Smith went on a passionate rant about Mark Jackson’s recent challenges in securing a coaching position in the NBA, particularly after a broadcasting opportunity with MSG and the New York Knicks fell through. Despite being laid off by ESPN earlier this year, Jackson was set to join MSG Networks as a fill-in analyst for the Knicks. However, the arrangement hit a snag, reportedly due to objections from the Knicks regarding Jackson’s presence on the team’s charter plane.
Smith vehemently defended Jackson, expressing frustration with the rumors surrounding him. He played a clip of Jackson refuting reports that he was fired by the Knicks before starting the job, explaining that he turned down the opportunity over a week ago due to unfavorable conditions.
Stephen A. Smith held nothing back in defense of Mark Jackson. ⏬https://t.co/Qq5rDEkIZD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 21, 2023
While acknowledging his bias as a friend and admirer of Jackson, Smith criticized those spreading rumors about him. He refused to delve into the specifics of the rumors but argued that even if they were true, they were from years ago, and Jackson should not be hindered in his career.
Smith emphasized that he was specifically addressing Mark Jackson the basketball coach, not the analyst, and questioned the sudden change in Jackson’s status, given his successful tenure calling NBA Finals games for ESPN and ABC.
Throughout the rant, it became unclear who or what Smith was primarily upset with—whether it was The New York Post, reporters, the NBA, ESPN, or the Knicks. The passionate defense suggested that something seemed awry in the situation, leaving Smith to question the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s failed opportunity with the Knicks.
