The 7 Most Explosive Moments That Made Stephen A. Smith 'Mad' In 2025

Stephen A. Smith, the undisputed king of sports commentary and the face of ESPN’s *First Take*, has built a multi-million-dollar career on his passionate, often explosive, and always theatrical delivery. As of December 12, 2025, the sports world continues to turn, providing fresh fuel for his legendary rants, proving that no athlete, coach, or even politician is safe from his signature, high-volume critiques. The phrase "Stephen A. Smith mad" has become a cultural shorthand for viral, must-watch television, driving ratings and conversation across the globe.

The year 2025 has been particularly fertile ground for the commentator's most controversial and heated takes, cementing his status as a modern-day shock jock who prioritizes entertainment and polarizing opinions over traditional journalism. From calling out future NFL stars to engaging in high-profile feuds with NBA legends, here are the seven most explosive moments that recently pushed Stephen A. Smith to his absolute limit.

Stephen A. Smith: Full Biography and Profile

Stephen A. Smith is more than just a loud voice on television; he is a highly successful journalist, author, and media personality with a profound impact on the sports and entertainment landscape.

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• Full Name: Stephen Anthony Smith
• Date of Birth: October 14, 1967
• Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
• Education: Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
• Career Start: Sports journalist for the *New York Daily News* and the *Philadelphia Inquirer*.
• Major Affiliation: ESPN (Host of *First Take*, analyst on *NBA Countdown*, regular on *SportsCenter*).
• Key Roles: Executive Producer, radio host, author (*Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes*).
• Contract Status: Signed a five-year contract with ESPN in 2025, reportedly worth over $12 million annually.
• Signature Style: Known for his passionate, animated, and often controversial delivery, characterized by phrases like "Stay off the weed!" and "Blasphemy!"
• Podcast: *The Stephen A. Smith Show* (formerly *Know Mercy*).

The Most Explosive Rants of Stephen A. Smith in 2025

1. The "You're Lying!" Feud with LeBron James Over Bronny

One of the most intense and personal feuds of 2025 erupted when Stephen A. Smith fired back at NBA superstar LeBron James. The tension began after Smith made comments about LeBron’s son, Bronny James, prompting LeBron to call Smith out directly on *The Pat McAfee Show*.

Smith’s response on *First Take* was a volcanic eruption, where he repeatedly shouted, "YOU’RE LYING!" at the camera, directly addressing LeBron. He accused the Lakers star of targeting only African American journalists and claimed to have "receipts" that would expose the truth about their relationship and his commentary. This public spat not only dominated sports headlines but also raised questions about journalistic ethics and the relationship between major athletes and the media.

2. Calling Patriots QB Drake Maye a "Liar"

In a moment that went viral for its sheer absurdity, Smith launched a tirade against New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The offense? Maye admitted he wasn't familiar with the full cast of ESPN's *First Take*.

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Smith, taking the comment as a personal slight to the show's cultural significance, called the young quarterback a "liar" and accused him of being disrespectful. This rant was widely criticized as "pathetic" by other media members, who argued it showcased Smith’s tendency to prioritize his own ego and the show's brand over actual sports analysis. The incident quickly became a textbook example of the "Stephen A. Smith mad" phenomenon, where a minor slight is escalated into a major on-air crisis.

3. Declaring the LA Clippers "Trash" and Blasting Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers franchise and its star, Kawhi Leonard, have been a constant source of frustration for Smith, but his 2025 rant reached a new level of vitriol. Following a disappointing stretch of games, Smith unloaded on the organization, labeling them as "Trash" in a blistering segment.

His focus quickly turned to Kawhi Leonard, whom he accused of lacking the necessary leadership and killer instinct to lead a championship team. Smith's powerful critique questioned Leonard's commitment and availability, arguing that a player of his caliber should never allow his team to perform so inconsistently. The rant resonated with many frustrated Clippers fans and became one of his most powerful takedowns of an entire organization.

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4. Exploding Over Donald Trump and College Sports Chaos

While primarily a sports commentator, Smith has increasingly waded into political waters, leading to some of his most heated debates. He exploded on air over former President Donald Trump cozying up to Notre Dame, which quickly spiraled into a fiery takedown of the current chaos in college sports.

Smith passionately criticized the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the unrestricted transfer portal, arguing that they have destroyed the integrity and competitive balance of college football and basketball. He also strongly criticized Trump for "irresponsible" remarks following a separate incident, making it clear that his passionate opinions are not confined to the court or the field.

5. The Controversial Memphis Grizzlies Trade Take

In a moment that sparked immediate backlash, Stephen A. Smith shared a "wild take" following the Memphis Grizzlies' trade of star guard Desmond Bane. While the specifics of the statement were controversial, the reaction highlighted Smith's ability to generate massive debate, even on transactions that might otherwise be considered standard league business.

His commentary on the trade was seen by many as a deliberate attempt to be polarizing, reinforcing the perception that he operates as a "shock jock" whose primary goal is to say inflammatory things for attention rather than offer genuine, nuanced analysis.

6. Defending His Political Views and Claiming "Cancellation"

The line between sports and politics has blurred for Smith, and he has spent significant airtime defending his political commentary. After facing criticism, particularly for his remarks regarding a Texas congresswoman, Smith passionately defended his right to express his views, even claiming he was being targeted for "cancellation."

This episode showcased his willingness to fight back against critics who suggest his political leanings are hurting ESPN's *First Take* ratings. He vehemently denied that his political commentary was detrimental, arguing that his platform is about open and honest dialogue, regardless of the topic.

7. Breaking Silence on the NBA Countdown Removal Rumors

Even rumors about his own career can make Stephen A. Smith mad. When the *New York Post* reported that the NBA analyst would be removed from ESPN's *NBA Countdown* crew, Smith dedicated a segment to addressing the news directly.

He broke his silence to clarify his status and express his frustration over the speculation, confirming that he would no longer be part of the crew, which would now include former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone. While he accepted the network's decision, his on-air response was a passionate defense of his contributions and a clear message that he would not be silenced by media rumors.

The Method Behind the Madness: Why Stephen A. Smith is Always Angry

The recurring question among viewers is: is Stephen A. Smith genuinely mad, or is it all an act? The consensus among media critics is that the "mad" persona is a highly effective, calculated performance designed for maximum impact and ratings.

Smith is often described as a "shock jock," a personality who says inflammatory things to generate attention and controversy. His style is characterized by loud, obnoxious arguments that prioritize one-sided debate over traditional journalistic analysis. This approach, while polarizing, has made him one of the most recognizable and highly paid commentators in the industry, signing a massive contract in 2025 that solidified his value to ESPN.

The "madness" is his brand. It’s what drives the conversation around *First Take* and ensures that every controversial take, whether about the New England Patriots, the NBA playoffs, or even national politics, becomes a viral moment. In the modern media landscape, being loud and controversial is often more profitable than being right, and Stephen A. Smith has mastered this formula completely.