​Stephen A. Smith, the recognizable ESPN on-air personality, has found himself in hot water on more than one occasion lately. While many fans enjoy his entertaining style and outspoken presence, others view him as emblematic of what’s wrong with contemporary journalism. Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion who has also built a media profile, told Jemele Hill on his podcast that he does not consider Smith a journalist because he does not engage in the traditional journalist’s practice of speaking with players in the locker room. Green also argued that Smith worsens the problem by insisting that he is a journalist, a claim Green sees as inaccurate and misleading.
Smith has since fired back at Green. On his SiriusXM show, he confronted Green directly and invited a chat on the air. “You and I were pretty tight. Then, after the choking incident with Rudy Gobert and the slap to Jusuf Nurkic, I upset you because I called you and said it was difficult to defend you. We’ve never talked since that time,” Smith said, referencing a bitter moment from Green’s career. “You never called me and had a conversation man-to-man. Did I bring up the fact that you were willing to give that opportunity to Skip Bayless, but you’ve never given me that opportunity? You never invited me on ‘The Draymond Green Show’ since we haven’t spoken. Privately or publicly, name the time and place, bro. Ain’t no problem for me.”
Though Smith has worked as a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, his role at ESPN—primarily as a provocative debater on “First Take”—and his larger-than-life persona have led many to question whether he operates as a traditional journalist or reporter. The 58-year-old is known for delivering his opinions on NBA and NFL topics with a bold, sometimes provocative tone that some viewers interpret as hot takes rather than rigorous reporting. Yet there is no denying that Smith remains a major asset for ESPN. Reports have indicated he signed a contract in excess of $100 million over five years last year, a deal that underscores his ability to draw viewers, generate engagement, and drive substantial revenue for the network, regardless of how one labels his craft.
Green, for his part, is no stranger to controversy either. His on-court behavior has sparked debate over the years, including several fiery incidents that have been widely discussed by analysts and fans alike. Smith referenced some of Green’s on-court moments in his response, turning the spotlight back onto the broader issue of how star players navigate media attention and public perception. The dynamic between Smith and Green reflects a larger conversation about what constitutes journalism in today’s landscape, where media personalities often blend analysis, entertainment, and personal brands.
As Green moves forward—having recently opted out of his contract for the 2026-27 season and entered free agency—both sides remain under steady scrutiny. The Golden State Warriors and Green reportedly aim to finalize a new deal, keeping him in the Bay Area as he continues to shape his legacy on and off the court. In the meantime, the public will likely continue to debate Smith’s role and influence within sports media, weighing his entertainment value against traditional journalistic standards. Regardless of the label, Smith’s presence remains a significant driver of ESPN’s audience engagement and, by extension, the network’s revenue.