The internet has been buzzing after some outrageous comments by TV personality Stephen A. Smith. He made some comments about Los Angeles Angels pitcher/hitter/phenom Shohei Ohtani regarding his use of a translator and it has received heavy backlash.
"I don't think it helps that the number one face [in MLB] is a dude that needs an interpreter so you can understand what the hell he's saying in this country."
– Stephen A. Smith, on Shohei Ohtani
A truly abhorrent thing to say. MLB's beauty is in its international inclusivity.
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 12, 2021
Just an awful take by Stephen A. and Twitter reacted to his comments on Ohtani.
ESPN watching Stephen A Smith’s comments about Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/PYyFuMI8tR
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) July 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/themanzcj/status/1414606592268546048?s=20
Everybody: Wow Ohtani is a great star for the MLB
Stephen A. Smith: pic.twitter.com/VVk8YWrzmT
— donny 10 tanks (@deathbycontent) July 12, 2021
God I hope Ohtani breaks a derby record tonight and hits a ball 600ft just so Stephen A Smith has to talk about it and be as awkward as possible
— Jeremy (Glas szn) (@theteremyjaylor) July 12, 2021
The list goes on and on and on and on. Stephen A. was out of place, and later clarified his initial comments on Ohtani, but by that time it was far too late.
And unfortunately, Stephen A. didn't stop there. He also had some comments on the Nigerian basketball team after they beat Team USA in an exhibition over the weekend.
This is exactly what needed to said about TEAM USA!!! pic.twitter.com/duH385AlwR
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 12, 2021
Stephen A. Smith just doesn't stop, and the comments on Nigeria brought reactions of their own, of course.
Now he’s coming for Nigeria too?!? Did we get the Stephen A from an alternate ‘90s timeline today???
— Bibs (@BibsCorner) July 12, 2021
Shohei balling like Babe Ruth and The Nigeria flogging of Team USA had Stephen A deep in his xenophobia bag today
— Dallas Dave (@pleighboipapi) July 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/JayCarlos35/status/1414669993682378765?s=20
Let’s get Stephen A up outta here man the Nigeria comments with the Ohtani cmon now we’ve progressed pass the need for him
— Add your name (@CountOnDC) July 12, 2021
Stephen A Smith talking about Nigeria’s basketball team and Shohei Ohtani. Is next level disrespectful and racist.
— Bella 🌹 (@JumpGirlBella) July 12, 2021
What got into Stephen A. Smith? All of this comes shortly after Rachel Nichols faced backlash on her comments regarding Maria Taylor, which led to Nichols being axed from the NBA Finals and prompted Malika Andrews to replace her.
And, MLB insider Jeff Passan said he plans to go on First Take on Tuesday morning to discuss Ohtani, and one can only imagine the outrage Passan must feel as well.
I’ll be on First Take tomorrow morning to talk about Shohei Ohtani.
I’ve got some things to say.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 12, 2021
Yikes.
Stay tuned for Passan's comments, and more reactions from Stephen A. Smith will surely surface.
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